India will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the ‘Iron Man of India’, with nationwide celebrations under the theme ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to citizens, especially the youth, to participate in the ‘Run for Unity’ on 31 October to honour Patel’s legacy of unifying over 560 princely states into one nation.
Taking to social media, PM Modi urged, “Join the Run for Unity on 31st October and celebrate the spirit of togetherness! Let’s honour Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India.”
Join the Run for Unity on 31st October and celebrate the spirit of togetherness! Let’s honour Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India. https://t.co/KalRcynMIi
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 27, 2025
His appeal has received an overwhelming response across states, with educational institutions, sports clubs, and community groups gearing up for participation in large numbers.
At the heart of the celebrations will be Ekta Nagar in Gujarat — home to the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity — where the Prime Minister will address the nation live at 7 AM on DD News.
The ceremony will feature a spectacular Indian Air Force flypast, cultural parades, and performances highlighting India’s diversity and unity.
Events Across India
Across the country, cities and villages will host runs, unity pledges, and cultural activities under the National Unity Day banner.
Moreover, schoolchildren, defence personnel, and civil society groups will take part in the symbolic run, which signifies strength in diversity and the power of collective purpose.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has, however, partnered with state governments to ensure widespread participation in over 700 districts.
Among the inspiring stories associated with the celebration is that of a 13-year-old boy cycling from Delhi to the Statue of Unity — a 1,000-km journey begun on 19 October and concluding on 30 October in Kevadia.
His endeavour reflects the enthusiasm and patriotic fervour surrounding Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
Public Response and Environmental Concerns
On social media, the official handle @EktaDiwasBharat has been sharing messages of unity and diversity.
Our diversity is India’s soul and Sardar Patel wove it into unity. PM Modi carries this vision forward.
Celebrate his 150th birth anniversary, join the Run for Unity and strengthen the spirit of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat! 🇮🇳#EktaDiwasBharat #EktaDiwas #SardarPatel150… pic.twitter.com/jPeJ6u33eF— Ekta Diwas Bharat (@EktaDiwasBharat) October 25, 2025
While some users expressed concerns about rising air pollution levels — with the Air Quality Index in parts of northern India exceeding 300 — the spirit of participation remains strong, with thousands expected to join the event in every major city.
The National Unity Day 2025 celebration also symbolises India’s enduring gratitude to Sardar Patel, whose vision and determination laid the foundation of a united India.
As PM Modi emphasised, ‘True tribute to Sardar Patel lies in preserving our unity and integrity’.
The nationwide Run for Unity thus stands not merely as a commemorative event, but as a reaffirmation of India’s timeless ideal — unity in diversity — and a collective stride towards a stronger, more integrated nation.
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