Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday addressed a press conference in Patna, outlining the nationwide celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025. Shah emphasized Sardar Patel’s unmatched role in unifying India after Independence and announced that a grand national parade will now be held every year on October 31, symbolizing India’s unity and integrity.
Shah said that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been visiting Kevadia (now Ekta Nagar) annually on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, where a grand parade is held before the Statue of Unity – the world’s tallest statue honoring Sardar Patel. This year’s celebration, he said, carries special significance as it marks Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.
He announced that the Run for Unity will be organized on a much larger scale this year, with participation from citizens across all states, Union Territories, district police stations, schools, and universities. Participants will also take a Unity Pledge reaffirming their commitment to the nation’s integrity.
Highlighting the broader celebration, Shah said that a 15-day “Bharat Parv” will be held at Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15, culminating on Birsa Munda Jayanti. The festival will feature cultural programs, exhibitions, and performances showcasing the diverse tribal traditions, food, crafts, and folk art from across the country.
Speaking on Sardar Patel’s life and contributions, Shah described him as “an ideology rather than an individual,” whose leadership and foresight shaped modern India. Recalling the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, Shah noted that it was during this movement that Mahatma Gandhi conferred upon Patel the title of ‘Sardar’. He lauded Patel’s decisive efforts in integrating 562 princely states into a united India – a task many thought impossible at the time.
The Home Minister highlighted Patel’s leadership in crucial events, including the police action in Hyderabad and the integration of Junagadh, emphasizing his determination in protecting India’s territorial integrity. He also recounted Patel’s role in securing Lakshadweep for India on August 15, 1947, when he was personally overseeing naval operations instead of participating in Independence Day celebrations.
Criticizing past governments, Shah said it was unfortunate that Patel’s legacy was neglected for decades, noting that he received the Bharat Ratna only after 41 years. He credited PM Modi for conceptualizing and building the Statue of Unity, a fitting tribute to Patel’s contribution. Constructed from over 25,000 tonnes of iron collected from farmers’ tools, the 182-meter-tall statue has become an international attraction, drawing over 2.5 crore visitors so far.
Shah also listed 14 new attractions developed under PM Modi’s leadership around the Statue of Unity – including the Valley of Flowers, Ekta Mall, Patel Garden, Jungle Safari, Lake Circuit, and Light and Sound Show – turning the area into a major tourist destination.
Detailing the upcoming national parade on October 31 at Ekta Nagar, Shah said PM Modi will take the salute. The event will showcase the strength and discipline of India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and state police, featuring women-led contingents, BSF camel units, and cultural performances by over 900 artists. The parade will also include tableaux from various states and union territories, and a spectacular air show by the Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran team.
Amit Shah concluded by announcing that this grand parade will become an annual event, similar in stature to the Republic Day parade. He said the initiative aims to inspire India’s youth and strengthen the message of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” ensuring that Sardar Patel’s vision of unity continues to guide the nation.