PM Modi Attends Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Leads National Unity Pledge

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday attended the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at the Parade Ground in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat's Narmada district, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The celebrations featured a grand Ekta Parade involving police forces from across the country, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), central police organisations and the National Cadet Corps (NCC). The event also showcased cultural performances, martial arts demonstrations and displays of the capabilities of India's security forces.

Earlier in the day, Modi paid floral tributes to Patel at the Statue of Unity, located near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 31 tourism and infrastructure projects worth ₹426.71 crore in Ekta Nagar before visiting the Rain Forest and Vaman Vriksha Vatika.

Ekta Parade Features 16 Marching Contingents From Nine States

The Ekta Parade featured 16 marching contingents from nine states and one Union Territory, alongside four CAPFs, the NCC and a marching band.

Among the major attractions were an NSG 'Hell March' contingent, daredevil motorcycle displays by male and female personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and a demonstration of different Indian martial arts by the BSF.

A piped band performance by schoolchildren and a 'Surya Kiran' flypast by the Indian Air Force were also among the scheduled highlights.

The Prime Minister was also scheduled to administer the National Unity Pledge as part of the annual observance.

Focus on Security Forces and 'Naxal Mukt Bharat'

This year's celebrations placed particular emphasis on the government's claim that armed Naxalism had been brought to an end in the country.

According to the Union Home Ministry, the parade included police and CAPF contingents that had been at the forefront of operations against Left-Wing Extremism. Short films highlighting their work and achievements were also expected to be screened as the contingents passed before the Prime Minister.

A theatrical presentation on 'Naxal Mukt Bharat', organised by the National School of Drama, brought together around 2,000 artistes from 126 districts that had experienced armed Naxalism.

The performance depicted the challenges faced by communities in affected areas and their transition towards peace and development. Around 5,000 people from these districts were also invited to attend the celebrations.

5,000 Artistes Present Cultural Programme on 'Vande Mataram'

The cultural programme and tableaux were based on the theme 'Vande Mataram', marking 150 years of the national song.

Around 5,000 artistes from different parts of the country came together for a presentation showcasing India's regional traditions and the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat'.

The tableaux were designed using concepts submitted by citizens through national-level and Gujarat-level competitions. This marked a departure from the conventional practice of having government departments and state governments design the tableaux.

Unity Pledge

PM Modi also led the National Unity Pledge on Saturday at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, urging citizens to safeguard the country's integrity and internal security.

Thousands gathered at the Parade Ground in Narmada district to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Participants stood with right hands extended, repeating the oath administered by the Prime Minister to preserve national unity and honour Patel's monumental role in post-independence integration.

BSF Woman Officer Commands National Flag Guard

The ceremony commenced with the arrival of the national flag under the command of Assistant Commandant Mrudula Lingaraju. Officials noted that Lingaraju, the Border Security Force's first woman parachute-trained officer, led the national flag contingent at the parade for the fifth consecutive year.

Uniformed personnel saluted as the flag took position, followed by a march-past featuring police and security units from across the nation. The parade placed special emphasis on security forces deployed in operations against Left-Wing Extremism, aligning with the Union government's push for a Naxal-free India.

Police Forces Display Operational Unity

The programme featured a ceremonial presentation of the flags of various Indian police forces, symbolising collective resolve and service to the country. The display was coordinated by Lokesh Anand and Yogesh Solanki.

Annual celebrations at Ekta Nagar, situated near the Statue of Unity, continue to serve as the focal point for commemorating Sardar Patel's efforts in unifying princely states. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed annually on October 31, reinforces the commitment to building a self-reliant and cohesive nation.

31 Projects Worth ₹426.71 Crore Inaugurated in Ekta Nagar

During his visit, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 31 tourism and infrastructure projects worth a total of ₹426.71 crore.

He also visited the Rain Forest and Vaman Vriksha Vatika, two attractions in Ekta Nagar that form part of the area's tourism infrastructure.

Why Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Is Observed on October 31

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Patel played a pivotal role in the integration of princely states into the Indian Union following Independence. The annual celebrations at Ekta Nagar bring together security forces, cultural groups and citizens from across the country to honour his contribution to national unity and integration.