Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, addressed a press conference in Patna, Bihar, announcing the national celebrations for the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
He described Sardar Patel as “not just an individual, but an ideology embodying national unity.”
Shah highlighted that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been leading the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, home to the iconic Statue of Unity.
This year, marking Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, a special parade and cultural festivities will take place, reaffirming the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.
A grand national parade will be held on 31 October 2025 at Ekta Nagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the salute.
The event will feature contingents from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police units, and over 900 artists showcasing India’s cultural diversity.
Women officers will lead the parade, which will also include gallantry awardees from the BSF and CRPF.
Highlights include a BSF camel contingent, Assam Police’s motorcycle daredevils, tableaux from various states, and an aerial display by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team.
Amit Shah announced that the government will now organise the parade symbolising national unity every year on 31 October, similar to the Republic Day parade, to inspire the youth with Sardar Patel’s legacy.
To commemorate the 150th anniversaries of Sardar Patel and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, the government will host ‘Bharat Parv’ at Ekta Nagar from 1 to 15 November.
The celebration will culminate on Birsa Munda Jayanti, with vibrant displays of tribal art, cuisine, crafts, and music—showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.
Amit Shah paid tribute to Patel’s monumental efforts in integrating 562 princely states post-independence.
He cited Patel’s firm leadership during the integration of Hyderabad, Junagadh, Travancore, and Kathiawar, and his swift action in preventing Pakistan’s attempt to create a territorial corridor.
Shah remarked, “The map of India we see today exists because of Sardar Patel’s vision and determination.”
He recalled how Patel, during India’s first Independence Day, was in a command room ensuring the successful integration of Lakshadweep, underscoring his lifelong dedication to national unity.
Amit Shah highlighted the Statue of Unity—a 182-metre monument conceptualised by PM Modi—as a tribute to Patel’s legacy.
Built using 25,000 tonnes of iron collected from farmers’ tools nationwide, it stands as a testament to India’s engineering prowess and Patel’s connection to the agrarian community.
So far, the site has welcomed over 2.5 crore visitors, with about 15,000 visitors daily.
Under PM Modi’s leadership, 14 additional tourist attractions have been developed around the Statue of Unity, including the Valley of Flowers, Jungle Safari, Ekta Mall, and Ekta Cruise, making it a premier destination for both tourism and national pride.
Concluding the conference, Amit Shah said that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will serve as an enduring reminder of Patel’s ideals.
The annual parade and celebrations aim to inspire generations to uphold India’s unity and integrity, honouring the indomitable spirit of the Iron Man of India.
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