Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, marking the 150th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister.
Since 2014, October 31 has been celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in honour of Sardar Patel’s contributions to India’s unity and integrity.
Modi arrived at the 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity in Narmada district’s Ekta Nagar this morning and offered flower petals at the feet of the Iron Man of India. Following the tribute, he proceeded to a nearby venue to administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and witness the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade.
This year’s celebrations feature a cultural festival and a grand National Unity Day parade showcasing contingents from the BSF, CRPF, and various state police forces.
Adding to the significance of the occasion, the parade has been organised this year on the lines of the Republic Day parade, highlighting the spirit of unity and patriotism across the nation.
