Nation salutes the Iron Man: PM Modi leads unity day celebrations, unveils ₹1,219 cr projects

India came together on Friday to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man who welded more than 560 princely states into a united nation. The day was marked by grand tributes, developmental milestones, and a reaffirmation of India’s enduring spirit of unity.

At Ekta Nagar, home to the Statue of Unity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi administered the ‘Oath of Unity’ during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. Thousands of participants joined him in pledging to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the nation, a living reflection of Sardar Patel’s vision of a strong and cohesive India.

PM Modi’s visit and tributes at the Statue of Unity

Arriving early at the 182-metre Statue of Unity, Modi offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel before addressing the gathering. The celebrations featured a Republic Day style parade with contingents from the armed, police, and paramilitary forces, along with 10 thematic tableaux representing states and security agencies such as the NSG and NDRF.

A special highlight was a women-led contingent, which received a ceremonial salute from the Prime Minister, symbolising women’s growing role in India’s security apparatus. The parade also included the BSF’s camel mounted band, the Gujarat Police horse unit, and the Assam Police motorcycle daredevil team, showcasing discipline and diversity in equal measure.

Adding to the colour of the event, 900 artists presented traditional and folk performances from across India. The celebration concluded with a stunning Indian Air Force fly past under ‘Operation Surya Kiran’, painting the skies above Ekta Nagar in patriotic hues.

A boost to Kevadia’s growth, ₹1,219 crore development projects unveiled

On the eve of the anniversary, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth ₹1,219 crore in Kevadia, aimed at strengthening its infrastructure and tourism appeal.

Among the major projects are:

• Birsa Munda Bhavan, an iconic centre dedicated to tribal freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda

• A residential complex for Gujarat State Electricity Corporation (GSEC) and Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL) employees

• The first phase of a hospitality district, designed to enhance Kevadia’s tourism facilities

• A newly developed Bonsai Garden, adding an eco tourism dimension to the region

Modi also flagged off a fleet of electric buses to promote sustainable transport in the region, ensuring clean and comfortable travel for visitors.

During his visit, the Prime Minister met family members of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling it “a delight to recall the monumental contribution of the Iron Man to our nation.” He also released a commemorative coin and postage stamp in honour of Patel and attended a cultural programme depicting Patel’s life, from his pivotal role in the freedom struggle to the integration of India after Independence.

“These projects,” Modi wrote on X, “give a major boost to Kevadia’s infrastructure and stand as a tribute to the ideals of development, unity, and sustainability that Sardar Patel championed.”

A monument to unity and progress

Since the Statue of Unity was inaugurated in 2018, Ekta Nagar has evolved into a major symbol of national pride and eco tourism. Attractions like the Valley of Flowers, Jungle Safari, Unity Glow Garden, and the Ekta Cruise have turned the region into a living testament to India’s development journey, one that connects heritage with modern innovation.

Nationwide tributes, President, leaders, and citizens unite in homage

In New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Sardar Patel Chowk and later at the Gantantra Mandap in Rashtrapati Bhavan, remembering him as the “unifier of modern India.”

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also attended the Ekta Diwas celebrations in Ekta Nagar, hailing Patel’s vision that laid the foundation for India’s integrity. “Every citizen today lives in one India because of Sardar Patel’s unwavering resolve,” Shah said, emphasising that the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is not just a day of remembrance but a renewal of that vision.

On the Opposition side, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also joined in paying tributes. Kharge posted on social media, “On the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who united the nation, I pay my respectful homage.” The Congress party said both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to walk the “path lit by Sardar Patel.”

Many other leaders, public figures, and citizens across the country offered their homage, underscoring the universal respect Patel continues to command across political lines.

A legacy that continues to shape India

As the day concluded with the thunder of jets over Ekta Nagar, the celebration stood as more than an event, it was a reminder of Sardar Patel’s enduring presence in India’s history. From the corridors of power to the hearts of citizens, his vision of unity, resilience, and nation building remains the iron thread holding India together.