BSF heroes of Operation Sindoor to salute PM Modi at Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will receive a ceremonial salute from 16 Border Security Force (BSF) personnel awarded for their bravery during Operation Sindoor at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat on October 31.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day, is observed annually on October 31 to honour the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister and home minister, remembered as the “Iron Man of India” for his role in unifying the country post-Independence. The day highlights the importance of national integration, harmony, and patriotism.

The parade, held in Kevadia, Gujarat, will take place against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres, inaugurated by Modi in 2018. BSF Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary called this year’s event “extremely special,” emphasizing its symbolic significance for the nation’s unity.

The 16 BSF personnel, who received the Police Medal for Gallantry on Independence Day, displayed “conspicuous bravery” during Operation Sindoor. This operation, conducted from May 7 to 10 along the western border, involved coordinated strikes by the BSF and the three defence forces on terrorist and military facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation was a direct retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, mostly tourists. Two BSF personnel were posthumously awarded the Vir Chakra for their heroism. Five Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel honoured with the Shurya Chakra will also join the parade.

During the parade, these gallantry awardees will ride atop a moving vehicle, while contingents from the BSF, CRPF, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), and various state police forces will participate. Brass bands, cavalry and camel-mounted contingents, an airshow by the Surya Kiran planes of the Indian Air Force, and unarmed combat demonstrations will further enrich the spectacle.

A special highlight includes a demonstration by two Indian breed BSF dogs, Riya (a Mudhol hound) and Lily (a Rampur hound), trained for high-risk operations such as helicopter descents and river rafting. The cultural program will feature 900 artists performing Indian classical dances.

“The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations aim to highlight national unity, harmony, and patriotism, inspiring citizens to embrace these values,” Chawdhary said, urging everyone to participate in the grand celebration.