Modi Witnesses Powerful Cultural Tribute to Naxal-Free India at Statue of Unity Celebrations

Around 2,000 artistes from districts once affected by Maoist insurgency took centre stage at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat on Saturday, presenting a powerful portrayal of India's transformation from decades of Naxal violence to a vision of peace and national unity. The performance was held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.

Titled ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat’, the theatrical production was the centrepiece of this year's Ekta Diwas Parade, organised to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Choreographed by the National School of Drama (NSD), the play brought together performers from 126 districts that were once affected by Maoist insurgency, highlighting the journey from fear and violence towards reconciliation and development.

NSD Director and the play's director, Chittaranjan Tripathy, said the production carried the message that the nation must come first, despite differences in opinions and ideologies. He also highlighted the participation of tribal communities, saying their enthusiastic involvement helped build a connection between local people and the police.

This year's celebrations carried the theme ‘Naxal Mukt Bharat’, reflecting the government's campaign against an armed insurgency that had affected parts of central and eastern India for nearly six decades. The Maoist-affected belt, popularly known as the Red Corridor, was once described as stretching from Pashupati to Tirupati.

The parade featured 20 contingents of police forces, including specialised anti-Naxal units such as Bastar Fighters, Jharkhand Jaguars, Maharashtra's C-60, Andhra Pradesh's Greyhounds, Odisha's SOG and Karnataka's ANF. Six contingents of Central Armed Police Forces also participated, including the CRPF's elite CoBRA commandos, BSF, ITBP, CISF and SSB.

The CRPF's CoBRA unit, which played a major role in anti-Maoist operations, was represented by 144 personnel who trained for 45 days for the event. A mixed contingent of women and men from the force also marched together, highlighting gender equality.

Beyond the security parade, the celebrations featured 15 tableaux, brass-band performances and a cultural presentation titled ‘Ek Bharat Anek Rang’, involving around 5,000 artistes showcasing traditional dance forms from different states. Motorcycle displays, daredevil performances and fireworks brought the evening celebrations to a close.

Addressing the gathering, Modi said national occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day and Unity Day strengthen the spirit of togetherness and inspire the country to move forward as one nation.