Key Points
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the nation in commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat’s Ekta Nagar on October 31, 2025
- National Unity Day celebrations featured a grand Unity Parade modeled on Republic Day, with participation from 16 marching contingents from 9 states, 1 union territory, and 4 Central Armed Police Forces
- The ceremony included a Guard of Honor led by female officers, cultural performances by 900 artists, and a spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team
- Home Minister Amit Shah announced that the Unity Parade will become an annual event, similar to the Republic Day parade, to inspire youth about Sardar Patel’s principles and contributions
- The theme for this year’s celebration was “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (One India, Self-Reliant India), emphasizing national unity and self-reliance
Kevadia: India celebrated a landmark occasion on Friday as the nation marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, fondly known as the Iron Man of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at the 182-meter-tall Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district, Gujarat, at approximately 8 AM to lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations. The Prime Minister offered floral tributes at the world’s tallest statue and participated in ceremonial prayers to honor the architect of India’s political integration.
PM Modi’s Tribute to the Unifier of India
Addressing the nation on the occasion, Prime Minister Modi emphasized Sardar Patel’s unwavering dedication to public service and his pivotal role in unifying India during its formative years. In his message on social media platform X, PM Modi stated, “India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years”. The Prime Minister appealed to all citizens to collectively work toward advancing Sardar Patel’s vision of a united, strong, and self-reliant India, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to national integrity and good governance.
Republic Day-Style Unity Parade Showcases National Diversity
The highlight of the celebrations was an unprecedented National Unity Parade at Ekta Nagar, organized on the lines of the Republic Day parade. Prime Minister Modi administered the National Unity Pledge before inaugurating the parade, which featured a Guard of Honor presented entirely by women officers, marking a significant milestone in gender representation at national events. The parade showcased India’s “Unity in Diversity” through ten captivating tableaux representing various states and union territories, including NDRF, NSG, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand.
Central Forces Display Exceptional Skills and Bravery
The parade featured impressive performances from 16 marching contingents from 9 states, plus one union territory police, along with 4 Central Armed Police Forces, including BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB. State police forces from Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh participated in the grand display. Special attractions included a women’s rifle drill by CRPF and Gujarat Police women’s wing, NSG’s Hell March demonstration, Assam Police’s daredevil motorcycle stunt show, and the BSF camel contingent with camel-mounted band adding grandeur to the proceedings.
Gallantry Awardees and Special Performances
This year’s parade held exceptional significance with the participation of five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF and sixteen gallantry medal winners from BSF. A CRPF contingent performed unique unarmed combat demonstrations showcasing their exceptional combat skills. In a remarkable display of military training capabilities, an Indian-breed dog from the BSF parade climbed a 20-foot height and crossed a thin rope while blindfolded, demonstrating the force’s support capabilities. Personnel from Operation Sindoor also participated in the parade, highlighting their dedication to national service. Gujarat cadre IPS officer Simran Bhardwaj enhanced the ceremony’s grandeur by presenting the Guard of Honor to Prime Minister Modi.
Cultural Extravaganza and Air Force Spectacle
The celebrations featured a magnificent cultural program organized by the Ministry of Culture, with approximately 900 artists presenting India’s rich classical and folk heritage. The performances showcased the diverse cultural traditions from across the country, reinforcing the theme of unity in diversity. The ceremony concluded with a breathtaking air show by the Indian Air Force’s elite Surya Kiran aerobatic team, performing thrilling aerial maneuvers above the Statue of Unity, symbolizing the nation’s strength and unity.
Annual Unity Parade Announcement
In a significant announcement, Union Home Minister Amit Shah declared that following the success of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations, the Unity Parade will be organized annually on October 31, similar to the Republic Day parade held on January 26. Shah emphasized that this annual event will serve as a powerful medium to inspire the nation’s youth and educate them about Sardar Patel’s principles and his immense contributions to India’s unification. The initiative aims to create a strong environment of unity and integrity in the country, carrying forward the Iron Man’s legacy for generations to come.
Personal Connection with Patel’s Family
Before the main event, Prime Minister Modi met with the family members of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Thursday evening in Ekta Nagar. Gautam Patel, Sardar Patel’s grandson, attended the cultural program along with his wife Nandita, son Kedar, daughter-in-law Reena, and granddaughter Karina. PM Modi shared on social media that it was a delight to interact with them and recall the monumental contributions of Sardar Patel to the nation.
Legacy of the Iron Man
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950. His remarkable achievement of politically integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence earned him the title “Iron Man of India”. The 2025 celebrations marking his 150th birth anniversary serve as a reminder of his enduring legacy in maintaining India’s territorial integrity and promoting national unity amid the country’s diverse social, cultural, and linguistic fabric.
