To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a significant Republic Day-esque parade is set to take place on October 31st in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. This grand event will showcase contingents from all central paramilitary forces, police units from various states, and over a dozen state tableaux, alongside impressive demonstrations by native dog breeds.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be present to take the ceremonial salute. This annual Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade, while celebrated for the past 11 years, is notably being held on a much larger scale this year.
Adding to the significance, the Prime Minister will also acknowledge 16 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel who were awarded gallantry medals for their bravery during ‘Operation Sindoor’ in May, a crucial operation in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
The full dress rehearsal for the parade recently concluded near the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. It featured participation from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and police forces from states including Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, as well as the National Cadet Corps. The rehearsals also included displays of cavalry, camel-mounted contingents, martial arts, unarmed combat drills, and demonstrations by Rampur and Mudhol Hounds. The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Team is also slated to perform an air show during the main event.
Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan and Intelligence Bureau director Tapan Deka reviewed the full dress rehearsal on Wednesday.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address a press conference regarding the event on Thursday in Patna.
This year’s parade commander is Simran Bhardwaj, an IPS officer from the Gujarat cadre (2022 batch). Notably, contingents from various forces and state police, including Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, are being led by women officers.
October 31 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister and home minister. The day has been observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas since the current government came to power, honoring Patel’s indispensable role in integrating India after its independence. His efforts, including the merger of 562 princely states, were foundational to building a modern nation.
Reflecting on the upcoming event, Parade Commander Simran Bhardwaj expressed, “It is an honour and great opportunity to participate in the parade on a historical occasion.”
Nadiya Farooq, an officer from the Kashmir Police Service leading her Union Territory’s contingent, shared her excitement: “We are very excited for the parade. This is for the first time that I am going to participate in a parade outside Jammu and Kashmir and that too before the Prime Minister.”
Garima Dadar, a Deputy Superintendent of Police leading the Chhattisgarh Police contingent, proudly stated, “I am proud that I am going to lead the Chhattisgarh Police contingent at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade here.”
Beyond the main parade, numerous other programs are being organized nationwide to honor Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s unification.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has highlighted that the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim to “foster the spirit of national unity, harmony, and patriotism, inspiring citizens to embrace these values.” Citizens are encouraged to participate actively in this significant celebration.
Furthermore, from November 1st to 15th, Ekta Nagar will host ‘Bharat Parv’, a festival featuring diverse cultural performances and a food festival representing various Indian states.