PM Modi Celebrates National Unity Day with Grand Parade in Gujarat

Ekta Nagar, October 31 (Daily Kiran) : Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the National Unity Day celebrations on October 31 in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. This event honored the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and a pivotal figure in the country’s unification.

The celebrations featured a grand parade showcasing contingents from various state police forces, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and other central police organizations. Security personnel displayed a range of demonstrations, alongside cultural performances that highlighted India’s diverse heritage.

This year’s event emphasized the contributions of security forces to national safety and their role in combating armed left-wing extremism. The parade included 16 marching contingents from nine states and one Union Territory, as well as representatives from four CAPFs, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), and a marching band.

Key attractions of the parade included the National Security Guard’s (NSG) “Hellemarch” team and thrilling motorcycle displays by male and female personnel from the Border Security Force (BSF) and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Additionally, various Indian martial arts were showcased by the BSF.

School children also participated, presenting a pipe band performance, while the Indian Air Force conducted a “Surya Kiran” flypast, adding to the spectacle. During the event, PM Modi administered an oath of national unity.

The theme of this year’s celebration was “Naxal-Free India,” underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing left-wing extremism. The Ministry of Home Affairs highlighted the police and CAPF contingents that have been at the forefront of operations against such threats. Short films depicting their efforts and achievements were screened as the parade passed.

A theatrical presentation on the theme “Naxal-Free India” was organized by the National School of Drama, featuring around 2,000 artists from 126 districts previously affected by armed Naxalism. This performance illustrated the challenges faced by local communities and the progress made toward peace and development.

Approximately 5,000 individuals were invited to attend the celebrations, which also marked the 150th anniversary of the national song “Vande Mataram.” Cultural programs and floats highlighted this theme, with around 5,000 artists representing various regional traditions and the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shrestha Bharat.”

This year, the designs for the floats underwent a significant change, being sourced from competitions held at the national and state levels, rather than being designed by government departments.

Earlier, PM Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity near the Sardar Sarovar Dam. He also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 31 tourism and infrastructure projects worth ₹426.71 crore in Ekta Nagar, and visited the “Rain Forest” and “Vaman Vriksha Vatika.”

National Unity Day is celebrated annually on October 31 to commemorate Patel’s crucial role in integrating the princely states into India post-independence. The annual event in Ekta Nagar sees participation from security forces, cultural groups, and citizens from across the country.