PM Modi Leads Nation in Honouring Sardar Patel on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at Statue of Unity

New Delhi, Oct 2025 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the nation in paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), celebrated annually on October 31. The commemoration took place at the Statue of Unity on the banks of the Narmada River in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat — the world’s tallest statue and a national symbol of Patel’s legacy as the architect of India’s integration.

The ceremony featured a grand parade and cultural performances showcasing India’s rich diversity and collective spirit. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, instituted in 2014, marks Patel’s birth anniversary and aims to reinforce the values of national unity, integrity, and internal security — principles central to his life’s work.

At the event, Prime Minister Modi administered the Ekta Shapath, or unity pledge, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to safeguarding India’s unity. “I take this oath to protect the unity and integrity of our country and dedicate myself to this cause,” he told the gathering. He added, “With the spirit of national unity, I commit myself to maintaining internal security and strengthening the nation.”

The unity pledge, now observed across government institutions and educational campuses nationwide, underscores the collective resolve to uphold the values Patel championed during the tumultuous years leading to India’s independence and state consolidation.

Earlier in the morning, PM Modi offered prayers at the Statue of Unity at around 8 a.m. and paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel. He later witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, which included impressive displays by contingents from the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force, and various state police units. The parade also featured tableaux and performances celebrating India’s multicultural heritage and its enduring resilience.

Ahead of the ceremony, the Prime Minister posted a tribute on X, saying, “India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India.”

In a video message released earlier, PM Modi described Patel as the embodiment of national unity and a leader with unparalleled administrative acumen. “Sardar Patel had a unique ability to unite people, even those with ideological differences,” he said. “He observed every small detail and dedicated his life to strengthening the nation. He brought the people of India together during the freedom struggle, worked tirelessly to merge the princely states into the Indian Union, and awakened the mantra of unity in diversity among all Indians.”

Sardar Patel’s efforts resulted in the integration of more than 560 princely states into a single nation, a task often described as one of the greatest diplomatic achievements of modern India. His decisive leadership, negotiation skills, and emphasis on national cohesion laid the foundations for a unified Indian republic.

This year’s Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations again highlighted Patel’s enduring significance in contemporary India, as leaders, officials, security forces, and citizens across the country participated in unity runs, pledge ceremonies, and commemorative events dedicated to strengthening the nation’s social and territorial integrity.