Grand National Unity Day Parade Announced by Home Minister Amit Shah to Mark Sardar Patel's 150th Birth Anniversary

Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on Thursday that the nationwide 'Run for Unity' initiative will be significantly expanded as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

New Delhi:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's crucial contribution to India's post-independence unification during his Rashtriya Ekta Diwas address on Thursday. The Home Minister revealed comprehensive plans for celebrating the Iron Man's upcoming 150th birth anniversary with unprecedented grandeur.

During his address, Shah stated, "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's pivotal role in uniting post-independence India is well-known. Tomorrow marks his 150th birth anniversary. This year's Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will feature a special grand parade. The Home Ministry has determined that beginning this year, a magnificent parade will be conducted every 31st October. The parade will showcase the expertise, discipline, and courage of CAPFs and State Police forces. Prime Minister Modi will participate in the parade at 7:55 A.M., which will follow the same format as the Republic Day parade but will honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary annually."

Shah criticized Congress for deliberately marginalizing Sardar Patel after independence, delaying his Bharat Ratna recognition by 41 years, and failing to establish any memorial in his honor. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, for creating the world-renowned Statue of Unity and Sardar Patel Memorial.

"Regrettably, following Sardar Patel's passing after independence, Congress made deliberate efforts to erase his legacy. The Bharat Ratna for a distinguished personality like Sardar Patel was delayed by 41 years, primarily due to Congress's evident lack of respect. Neither a samadhi nor any memorial was constructed anywhere in the country for this great leader. When Narendra Modi became Gujarat's Chief Minister, he commissioned the Statue of Unity and established the Sardar Patel Memorial, a spectacular monument that has gained international recognition," Shah stated during his press conference.

The Home Minister further announced a two-week cultural celebration scheduled in Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15.

"Ekta Nagar will host Bharat Parv from November 1 to 15, 2025, featuring cultural performances and diverse culinary festivals representing various states. The festivities will conclude on November 15 with special events commemorating Birsa Munda Jayanti, celebrating India's tribal communities' rich heritage and unwavering spirit," he added.

Addressing the gathering, Shah remarked, "Despite Bihar's current election atmosphere, I've gathered you today to discuss the magnificent parade planned in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia Colony, commemorating the respected Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary. We all acknowledge Sardar Patel's unparalleled contribution to consolidating post-independence India, shaping modern India, and creating a unified nation..."

Shah announced that the iconic 'Run for Unity' initiative will be expanded nationwide.

"This year's 'Run for Unity' will be substantially expanded. The initiative will take place across every state, Union Territory, district, police station, school, and university throughout the nation," Shah declared.

According to an official Gujarat CMO press release, a mobile parade modeled after the Republic Day Parade held annually on January 26 in New Delhi will be organized this year on October 31 at Ekta Nagar.

Chief Secretary Pankaj Joshi and Director General of Police Vikas Sahay presented detailed plans for this grand celebration.

They revealed that 16 contingents, including BSF, CISF, ITBP, CRPF, SSB, and contingents from Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and NCC, will join the National Unity Day parade. Additionally, 16 medal-winning soldiers from BSF's Operation SINDOOR and five Shaurya Chakra awardees from CRPF will participate in the parade, traveling in open jeeps.

The parade will be led by approximately 100 members of the Heralding Team, dressed in colorful uniforms and performing with various musical instruments.

Nine band contingents will perform patriotic melodies during the parade.

Furthermore, four school bands will deliver special performances, including two from Gujarat that secured state-level victories and two that achieved top honors at the national school band competition.