The nation is set to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on October 31, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The day honours his monumental role in uniting over 565 princely states into the Union of India and upholding the spirit of national integration.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will pay floral tribute to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, followed by the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. The event will feature a grand parade, a vibrant cultural showcase, and an aerial display by the Indian Air Force’s Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, painting the skies in the colours of the Tricolour.
The celebrations will also include a unique contingent of Indian breed dogs from the Border Security Force, including Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, with the latter’s lead dog “Riya” recently recognised as the national champion. The parade will feature 16 marching contingents from nine States and one Union Territory, along with four Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units, NCC cadets, and cultural floats depicting the theme “Vividhta Mein Ekta” (Unity in Diversity).
A special cultural programme featuring 900 artists will showcase India’s diverse heritage through classical and folk performances. The Guard of Honour for the Prime Minister will be led by a woman officer, symbolising the growing role of women in national service.
Marking this milestone, the Union Government has organised a series of nationwide activities, including the Sardar@150 Unity March, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the My Bharat platform. The campaign, inaugurated on October 6 by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, aims to inspire youth participation in nation-building through competitions such as essay writing, social media reels, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Programme, culminating in a National Padyatra.
The Unity March will unfold in two phases — the first, from October 31 to November 25, will feature district-level foot marches across all parliamentary constituencies, preceded by debates, seminars, and street plays highlighting Sardar Patel’s legacy. The second phase, from November 26 to December 6, will cover a 152-km route from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya. Along the route, cleanliness drives, tree plantations under the Sardar Upvan initiative, women’s welfare camps, yoga sessions, and “Vocal for Local” campaigns will be conducted.
Complementing the celebrations, the annual Run for Unity marathon will be held across the country on October 31, with participants including school children, Central Armed Police Forces, and differently-abled citizens. Prime Minister Modi has urged citizens to join the event and reaffirm their commitment to national unity and harmony.
This year’s observance also aligns with the ongoing Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) initiative, launched by Prime Minister Modi in 2015, which promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding among States and Union Territories. Through activities like Bhasha Sangam, student exchange programmes, and cultural festivals such as Kashi Tamil Sangamam, the initiative continues to strengthen emotional bonds across regions.
From November 1 to 15, Bharat Parv will be hosted at Ekta Nagar, featuring cultural performances and a food festival representing various states. The celebration will culminate on November 15, coinciding with Birsa Munda Jayanti, highlighting the contributions of India’s tribal communities.