Indian Air Force to Honour Sardar Patel with Grand Air Display Over Statue of Unity on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Ahmedabad, Oct 2025 : In a tribute to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will present a spectacular air show over the Statue of Unity at Kevadia on October 31, marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) and celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister.

The highlight of the celebrations will be an awe-inspiring performance by the IAF’s famed nine-aircraft Suryakiran Aerobatic Team (SKAT), renowned for their precision flying, discipline, and breathtaking aerial formations. The team will paint the Kevadia skies in the vibrant colours of the Indian Tricolour, symbolising national pride, unity, and strength.

Adding to the spectacle, IAF helicopters will perform a ceremonial flower petal shower over the Statue of Unity — the world’s tallest statue — as a mark of respect to Sardar Patel, who unified more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union and laid the foundation for a strong and integrated nation.

Instituted by the Union government in 2014, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas reaffirms the country’s commitment to unity, integrity, and internal security. The celebrations at Kevadia hold special significance, being organised on the banks of the serene Narmada River, where the colossal statue stands as a timeless tribute to Patel’s leadership and vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

The grand event is expected to draw large crowds of visitors and citizens who will witness the synchronised precision of the Suryakiran formation and the symbolic floral salute from the skies.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will arrive in Gujarat on Thursday for a two-day visit, during which he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several infrastructure and development projects worth over ₹1,140 crore in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia.

Among the key projects to be inaugurated are the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, the Vaman Vriksha Vatika, an E-Bus Charging Depot, and 25 new Electric Buses to promote sustainable and eco-friendly transport in the region. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for upcoming projects including the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, a Sports Complex, Jetty Development near Shoolpaneshwar Ghat, and Travelators at the Statue of Unity to enhance tourist convenience.

On Friday, Prime Minister Modi will lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations by offering floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, administering the Ekta Diwas pledge, and reviewing the Ekta Diwas Parade, which will feature a special BSF marching contingent accompanied by Indian breed dogs such as Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds.