Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The Prime Minister led the nation in celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) and also released a commemorative coin marking the occasion. PM Modi also administered the ‘oath of unity’ to participants who were attending the parade and extended greetings to the nation, stating, “I convey my best wishes to 140 crore Indians on Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.”
‘He created history by unifying India’, says PM Modi
Remembering the Iron Man’s legacy, PM Modi said that Sardar Patel devoted his life to building national integration. “Patel believed we should not waste time writing history but creating it, and he created history by uniting India,” the Prime Minister mentioned.
PM Modi underlined that after Independence, Sardar Patel accomplished the impossible work of bringing together more than 550 princely states, stating, ”The idea of one strong, united India was paramount to his vision.”
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, “India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years.”
#WATCH | Gujarat | Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT) of the Indian Air Force paint the sky in tricolour during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Ekta Nagar. #SardarPatel150
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/nwpeTGiA4x
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2025
He further added that Patel’s “unwavering dedication to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations.”
#WATCH | Gujarat | Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses cultural performances at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Ekta Nagar. #SardarPatel150
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/DjMJaP6cmS
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2025
President Droupadi Murmu also paid tribute, stating, “Sardar Patel was a great patriot, visionary leader and national-builder who unified the country through his invincible courage and leadership.” She appealed to the citizens to work together to build a ‘’strong, harmonious and excellent India.”
#WATCH | Ekta Nagar, Gujarat | Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade features tableaux from Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry, reflecting the theme “Unity in Diversity.”#SardarPatel150
(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/i44mfr8veP
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2025
Rastriya Ekta Diwas parade
The Rastriya Ekta Diwas parade displayed vibrant tableaux from states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Puducherry, Manipur and Chhattisgarh, as reported by ANI. Each was showcasing the national spirit of ‘Unity in Diversity.’
The parade route included a lively cultural performance featuring around 900 artists representing India’s classical dance forms, celebrating the nation’s cultural diversity.
Contingents were seen from the Border Security Forces (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Central Reserve Force (CRPF) and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) marching together in formation, as reported by PTI.
In a symbolic tribute to women’s leadership, PM Modi also received a ceremonial salute from contingents of paramilitary personnel and police, each headed by women officers.
Among the major highlights were Rampur Hounds, Assam Police motorcycle stunt display, BSF contingent including Indian -breed dogs, BSF’s famous camel contingent, camel-mounted band and Gujarat Police horse unit.
The parade also acknowledged the contribution of five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the CRFP and the sixteen gallantry medal awardees from the BSF for acts of bravery. The recognition was given for their participation in counterterror operations in Jammu and Kashmir and anti-Naxalism missions in Jharkhand.
A fly-past, under the ‘Operation Surya Kiran’, was performed by the Indian Air Force, signifying national pride and unity.
