India Commemorates Sardar Patel's 150th Birth Anniversary with Grand National Unity Day Celebrations

India observed National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) on October 31, 2025, with nationwide celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 'Iron Man of India'. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spearheaded the main event at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, paying homage to Patel's pivotal role in unifying the nation. The day's festivities underscored themes of national integration, integrity, and the vision of a self-reliant India.

Grand Celebrations at the Statue of Unity

The focal point of the celebrations was the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He also administered a 'pledge of unity' to attendees, reaffirming the nation's commitment to its sovereignty and integrity. A grand parade, known as the Ekta Diwas Parade, was a highlight of the event, featuring contingents from various paramilitary forces and state police.

The parade showcased the discipline and strength of India's security forces, with participation from:

• Border Security Force (BSF)
• Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF)
• Central Industrial Security Force (CISF)
• Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
• Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)
• Police forces from several states including Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.

The event also featured a breathtaking aerial display by the Indian Air Force's Suryakiran Aerobatic Team, performing formations like the Diamond and Unity formations over the Statue of Unity. Additionally, a unique contingent of Indian breed dogs, including Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds from the BSF, participated, reflecting the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision.

Commemorative Coin and Postal Stamp Released

To honor Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a special ₹150 commemorative coin and a postal stamp. The Ministry of Finance had issued a gazette notification on September 30, 2025, confirming the coin's issuance. The coin, made of 99.9% pure silver, weighs 40 grams and has a diameter of 44 mm. Its obverse features the Lion Capitol of Ashoka Pillar, while the reverse depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's image alongside the years '1875 – 2025'.

The release of these commemorative items serves as a lasting tribute to Patel's monumental efforts in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union post-independence.

Nationwide Observance and Developmental Initiatives

Beyond the main event in Gujarat, National Unity Day was celebrated across India with various programs. The theme for 2025 was highlighted as 'Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (One India, Self-Reliant India) or 'Unity in Diversity: One Nation, One Spirit', linking national integration with the pursuit of self-reliance.

Key initiatives included:

• Run for Unity: Marathons and runs were organized in cities and towns nationwide, symbolizing collective strength and unity.
• Unity March: A two-phase Unity March was launched, with district-level foot marches across parliamentary constituencies from October 31 to November 25, 2025, and a national march from Karamsad (Patel's birthplace) to the Statue of Unity from November 26 to December 6, 2025.
• Cultural and Educational Programs: Schools, colleges, and government institutions hosted pledge ceremonies, debates, exhibitions, and cultural events to promote national integrity and Patel's vision.

Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for several development projects worth over ₹1,140 crore in Gujarat, promoting eco-tourism and green mobility around the Statue of Unity.

The celebrations served as a powerful reminder of Sardar Patel's enduring legacy and his vision for a united, strong, and self-reliant India, inspiring citizens to uphold the values of unity, integrity, and collective responsibility.