PM Modi pays tributes to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, marking the 150th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister.

The day, celebrated nationwide as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) since 2014, witnessed grand celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat’s Narmada district, where the 182-metre statue of the Iron Man of India stands tall.

Modi offered flower petals at Patel’s statue early in the morning before proceeding to a nearby venue to administer the Ekta Diwas pledge, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity and integrity. He also witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade, which showcased the strength and discipline of India’s police and paramilitary forces.

This year’s celebrations hold special significance, featuring a cultural festival and a grand parade organized on the lines of the Republic Day parade, with contingents from the BSF, CRPF, and various state police forces participating.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India continues to inspire the nation. “The Statue of Unity is not just a monument—it is a reminder of our responsibility to preserve the strength and spirit of oneness that Patel built,” he noted.

The event concluded with cultural performances celebrating India’s diversity and the enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of national integration.