Gandhinagar (Gujarat) [India], October 27 (ANI): The 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man and architect of a united India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be celebrated on October 31 at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, reflecting the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”
Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary is observed across India as National Unity Day. Each year, in the presence of the Prime Minister, national-level programs are organized at the Statue of Unity — the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Patel.
This year, to mark the 150th anniversary of national unity, a grand celebration has been planned featuring a series of special events. Modeled on the Republic Day Parade held annually in New Delhi, a ceremonial parade will be organized on October 31 at Ekta Nagar, according to an official press release from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office.
Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and Director General of Police Vikas Sahay presented a detailed outline of the celebration, announcing that 16 contingents — including BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, and units from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and the NCC — will participate in the National Unity Day parade.
Sixteen medal-winning valiant soldiers from BSF’s Operation SINDOOR and five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the CRPF will also join the parade, riding in open jeeps. The parade will be led by nearly 100 members of the Heralding Team, dressed in vibrant uniforms and playing an array of musical instruments. Nine band contingents will perform patriotic melodies, while four school bands — two from Gujarat and two national-level winners — will deliver special performances.
The Chief Secretary and DGP said that the parade and accompanying programs will embody Prime Minister Modi’s mantra from the Red Fort: “Rajya Anek – Rashtra Ek, Samaj Anek – Bharat Ek, Bhasha Anek – Bhaav Ek, Rang Anek – Tiranga Ek” (Many states, one nation; many communities, one India; many languages, one emotion; and many colors, one Tricolor).
Under the initiative of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, special cultural programs showcasing the diverse heritage and traditions of India’s states will also be organized. After performing “Pad Pooja” at the statue, Prime Minister Modi will attend the parade and associated events. Contingents of the Central Security Forces and the Gujarat Police will present a Guard of Honor to mark the grand commencement of the ceremony.
The parade will include ten thematic tableaux based on the “Ekatva” (Unity) theme, presented by different states and the CRPF. The participating entities will include the NDRF, NSG, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand.
The Indian Air Force will stage a fly-past under “Operation Surya Kiran.” Other highlights will include a joint rifle drill by women personnel of the CRPF and Gujarat Police, a “Hell March” by NSG, a motorcycle daredevil show by Assam Police, a dog show featuring Indian breeds by BSF, a traditional martial arts display by CISF and ITBP women personnel, and a band performance by SSB, alongside participation by NCC cadets.
This year’s celebration will blend Diwali, New Year, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary into one grand event. As part of the “Prakash Parv,” from October 17 to November 15, visitors can enjoy vibrant lighting displays and cultural performances every evening from 7 to 11 p.m. The route leading to the Valley of Flowers at Ekta Nagar has been divided into 13 themed zones featuring illuminated displays, photo spots, and selfie points.
During these 15 days, there will be 45 food stalls, 55 handicraft and handloom stalls, and various state pavilions and cultural exhibitions representing 28 states and 8 Union Territories.
This year also marks the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Bhagwan Birsa Munda, and a special cultural presentation will be held at Ekta Nagar to commemorate the occasion. On November 16, a special cycling fun ride will be organized in the presence of dignitaries from the Government of India and the Government of Gujarat, followed by a Cyclothon competition on November 17, expected to draw around 5,000 cyclists from across the country.
Officials said preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations, to be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, are complete. The “Prakash Parv” at Ekta Nagar has already become a major attraction, drawing thousands of visitors during the Diwali festivities.
The Chief Secretary and DGP emphasized that this grand celebration of National Unity Day will strengthen the spirit of patriotism among citizens and truly embody the message of “Nation First.” (ANI)
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