PM Modi witnesses grand parade celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday witnessed a spectacular Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade at the Statue of Unity to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.

The parade, themed “Unity in Diversity”, showcased the country’s cultural richness, national integration, and the valour of its armed and paramilitary forces.

Modelled on the Republic Day parade, the event featured contingents from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP and SSB, along with decorative tableaux and floats presented by the NSG, NDRF and several states and union territories, including Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Manipur, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand and Puducherry.

A vibrant cultural segment along the parade route saw 900 artists perform traditional and classical dances, reflecting India’s diverse heritage.

The Gujarat Police's horse contingent, the Assam Police's motorcycle daredevil team, the BSF camel contingent with a camel-mounted band and a BSF marching contingent featuring local dog breeds like Rampur and Mudhol Hounds were some of the main attractions.

The parade also honoured five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the CRPF and 16 gallantry medal winners from the BSF for their exemplary courage in anti-Naxal and counter-terrorism operations.

The Indian Air Force, participating in Operation Surya Kiran, gave a stunning flypast as the event came to a close.

Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial salute from contingents, including units led entirely by women officers, underlining the growing role of women in India’s security forces and the nation’s commitment to empowerment and equality.