Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a floral homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the 150th birth anniversary celebration of the Iron Man of India. The day witnessed a spectacular Unity Parade apart from cultural programs and inaugurating a host of developmental projects to spur infrastructure development in the region and promote its tourism potential.
The Prime Minister, early in the morning, offered flowers at the feet of the 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity – the tallest statue in the world – and bowed in reverence to Sardar Patel’s legacy. The event symbolized the gratitude of the country to Patel’s pivotal role in uniting more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence.
After the floral tribute, the Unity Parade started at the venue. The event was modelled after the Republic Day Parade, where contingents of various paramilitary forces, state police units, and cultural troupes representing India’s rich diversity took part. Tableaux on the themes of unity, national integration, and development paraded before the audience, putting up a kaleidoscopic show of patriotism and pride.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi spoke of the unparalleled contribution Sardar Patel had made toward nation-building: “India stands united today because of Sardar Patel’s vision and determination. On his birth anniversary, we reiterate our pledge to preserve the unity and integrity of our great nation.” He further underscored that the essence of national unity remains at the heart of the strength and progress of this country.
The PM launched projects and laid foundation stones to the tune of more than ₹1,200 crore for the upgradation of infrastructure, new tourist facilities, and improvement in the connectivity of roads at Ekta Nagar. The initiative shall transform the Statue of Unity region into a world-class tourist destination while ensuring local employment and economic growth.
The programme was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and several senior officials. Shah hailed the Prime Minister for “restoring Sardar Patel’s rightful place in history” and termed the Statue of Unity as “a living symbol of India’s strength and resolve.”
It ended with a mass “Run for Unity”, cultural events by school children, and an oath-taking ceremony to reaffirm the pledge for national integration. The mega event at Ekta Nagar thus paid a fitting tribute to the leader who shaped India’s unity and laid the foundation of a strong and cohesive nation.
