Amit Shah Highlights Sardar Patel’s Legacy, Announces Annual ‘Parade of Unity’ on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Patna, Bihar , October 30— Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah today addressed a press conference in Patna, outlining the government’s plans to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) and announcing a series of commemorative events across the nation.

Shah described Sardar Patel as “not just an individual, but an ideology” who united India both geographically and emotionally. He recalled Patel’s extraordinary leadership in integrating 562 princely states, creating the political map of modern India through vision, diplomacy, and determination.

The Home Minister announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the salute at a grand parade in Ekta Nagar on October 31, marking the highlight of the Ekta Diwas celebrations. The national parade will feature contingents from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), state police units, and over 900 artists, showcasing India’s cultural diversity, discipline, and valor. The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team will present an aerial display, while tableaux and performances from across states will reflect the theme of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’.

Shah said that the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade will now be organized every year on October 31, similar in stature to the Republic Day celebrations. He called it a medium to inspire young Indians with Sardar Patel’s values of unity and national integrity.

He also announced that a ‘Bharat Parv’ will be held at Ekta Nagar from November 1–15, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. The event will celebrate India’s tribal heritage through cultural exhibitions, crafts, traditional cuisine, and folk performances.

Recalling Patel’s steadfast dedication, the Home Minister recounted how, even on August 15, 1947, while the country celebrated independence, Patel was overseeing operations to secure Lakshadweep, ensuring it became an integral part of India. He said Patel’s decisive handling of challenges in Hyderabad, Junagadh, Bhopal, Kathiawar, Travancore, and Jodhpur demonstrated his unmatched political foresight.

Criticizing past governments for neglecting Patel’s legacy, Shah noted that it took 41 years for Sardar Patel to be posthumously awarded the Bharat Ratna. He credited Prime Minister Modi for reviving Patel’s rightful place in national consciousness through the creation of the Statue of Unity, which he termed a “marvel of modern engineering and a national symbol of unity.”

He shared that the 182-meter-tall statue, built using 25,000 tonnes of iron contributed by farmers across India, was completed in just 57 months. To date, over 2.5 crore visitors—both domestic and international—have visited the site, which now draws 15,000 tourists daily. Under PM Modi’s leadership, 14 additional attractions have been developed around the statue, including the Valley of Flowers, Ekta Mall, Butterfly Garden, Light and Sound Show, and Jungle Safari, making Ekta Nagar a premier tourist destination.

Concluding his address,  Shah urged citizens to participate in the Run for Unity being organized nationwide across schools, universities, and police districts, followed by a Unity Pledge reaffirming commitment to national integrity.

“Sardar Patel’s life and work continue to inspire generations. Through these celebrations, we aim to strengthen the spirit of unity and remind every Indian of the foundations upon which our great nation stands,”
— Amit Shah, Union Home Minister