New Delhi: The nation will celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, whose leadership was instrumental in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence.
The main celebration will take place at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay floral tributes at the Statue of Unity followed by the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade and cultural events. The parade will feature 16 marching contingents from nine states and one union territory police force, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC cadets, and special displays including the BSF’s camel contingent, Assam Police motorcycle team, and an all-women Guard of Honour.
A special highlight this year is the participation of indigenous Indian dog breeds, the Rampur Hound and Mudhol Hound, from the Border Security Force. Leading the contingent will be “Riya,” a Mudhol Hound that won first place in the All India Police Dog Competition. Their inclusion symbolises Aatmanirbhar Bharat and celebrates India’s native canine heritage.
The event will also feature an air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team and a large cultural performance by around 900 artists from the Ministry of Culture. Floats representing different states and union territories will showcase the theme “Vividhta Mein Ekta” (Unity in Diversity).
As part of the extended celebrations, Bharat Parv will be held at Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15, featuring cultural performances, food festivals, and exhibitions from across states. The festival will conclude on November 15 with special programmes on Birsa Munda Jayanti, celebrating the rich heritage of India’s tribal communities.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has also launched the Sardar@150 Unity March under the My Bharat platform, aimed at promoting unity, civic responsibility, and patriotism among the youth. The march, launched on October 6, will unfold in two phases — district-level foot marches across all constituencies from October 31 to November 25, and a national march from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity, from November 26 to December 6. Along the route, activities such as cleanliness drives, tree plantation under the “Sardar Upvan” initiative, women’s welfare camps, and “Vocal for Local” campaigns will be organised.
Another major event, the Run for Unity, will take place across cities, with participation from students, CAPF personnel, and citizens. The run symbolises collective effort towards national integration.
Since its inception in 2014, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been a day to honour Sardar Patel’s contribution to building a united India. In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” initiative on this occasion to foster cultural and linguistic exchanges between states and promote national integration.
Marking Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, this year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas goes beyond remembrance — it renews India’s commitment to unity, diversity, and shared national purpose.
BI Bureau
