New Delhi

There have been very few figures in India's history whose vision, patriotism, and indomitable leadership have permanently shaped the nation's foundation. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one such great leader, without whose unparalleled contributions the vision of independent India would have remained unfulfilled.

Called the "Iron Man" of India for his unwavering determination, Patel faced challenges to coalesce India into nation from some 500 plus territories ruled by kings, monarchs and feudal chief after independence.

Sardar Patel's birth anniversary, celebrated on October 31, symbolizes the nation's resolve for unity, integrity, and national harmony.

On this occasion, National Unity Day is celebrated every year to pay tribute to their contribution and to remind the new generation that India's strength lies in its diversity, and to unite this diversity is true patriotism.

The year 2025 holds special significance as National Unity Day marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. A grand parade and cultural programs are being organized in Ekta Nagar, Narmada district of Gujarat, to mark the occasion.

This event will not only honor the memory of Sardar Patel but also showcase India's true identity—unity in diversity. The geographical and cultural landscape of Ekta Nagar itself embodies this concept, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, historical memories, and cultural richness.

This year's parade will include the Central Armed Police Forces, State Police Forces, NCC cadets, and various school bands. The active participation of women police officers will be a special highlight of the event. The Guard of Honor for the Prime Minister will be led by a woman officer, reflecting India's commitment to women empowerment and equality.

The parade will include a BSF camel contingent, a Gujarat Police cavalry contingent, a motorcycle daredevil show by the Assam Police, and a display by Indian breed dogs. All these spectacles will not only symbolize the valor and discipline of the security forces but will also embody the spirit of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

Organized by the Ministry of Culture, a special cultural program will feature 900 artists performing Indian classical dances. These dances will convey the message of India's rich cultural diversity and unity. Tableaux from various states and union territories will grace the parade.

Tableaux from Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar, Maharashtra, Manipur, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry will symbolise the cultural, social and geographical diversity of India.

National Unity Day is not merely a ceremonial event, but a reaffirmation of a national responsibility. This day reminds us that the values ​​for which Sardar Patel fought—national integrity, unity, discipline, and devotion to duty—remain as relevant today as ever.

When he integrated 562 princely states into the Indian Union, he not only created a political nation but also bound India together culturally and emotionally. His work is not just a chapter in history, but the foundation of India's existence.

In today's times, when society is facing many challenges, regional inequalities, social divisions, ideological differences and global pressures, the thoughts and leadership of Sardar Patel become even more important.

They teach us that India's strength lies in its diversity, and unity is our greatest strength. Sardar Patel said, "Our nation will be strong only when we think together, work together, and move forward together." This thought can become the direction for today's India.

This year's ceremony will also honour gallantry medal winners from BSF and CRPF who have displayed exceptional courage in anti-Naxal and anti-terrorism operations.

Through them, the nation reaffirms the values ​​Sardar Patel lived by—duty, dedication, and fearlessness. Additionally, Ekta Nagar will host "Bharat Parv" from November 1st to 15th, featuring cultural performances and food festivals from across the country.

The festival will conclude on November 15 with special programmes to mark the birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda, paying tribute to the glorious culture of the tribal communities.

Sardar Patel's legacy is not limited to statues or monuments. His true memory lives on when every citizen of India faithfully performs their duties, when the country's diverse communities respect each other, and when we all work together to build "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat."

The 'Statue of Unity' located in Ekta Nagar is not only a symbol of his memory but also gives the message that the unity of the country is supreme. Today, when we are celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, we should understand that his thoughts are not just a legacy of the past, but the direction of the future.

His principles teach us that national progress is possible only when we move forward with a spirit of mutual trust, cooperation, and unity. This is also the purpose of National Unity Day.

To instill in every Indian the feeling that we are all one, and that our diversity is our identity. Sardar Patel's life inspires us that a true patriot is one who considers the nation supreme and works for it, transcending self-interest.

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In this respect, as much as today's India is becoming developed, technologically advanced and self-reliant, it also needs the spirit of moral and national unity, the foundation of which was laid by Sardar Patel.