Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday led the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He paid floral tribute at the Statue of Unity and administered the oath of unity, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to unity and internal security.

“I solemnly swear that I will dedicate myself to the preservation of the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. I will also make every effort to spread this message among my countrymen. I take this oath in the spirit of my country’s unity, which was made possible by the foresight and hard work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also resolve to do my part to ensure the internal security of my country,” he said while reciting the oath.

After the ceremony, the Prime Minister witnessed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade that showcased India’s strength and discipline. The Guard of Honour for the Prime Minister was led by Gujarat Cadre IPS Officer Simran Bhardwaj.

On this occasion, five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the CRPF and sixteen gallantry medal winners from the BSF were honoured for their courage and service. The CRPF personnel were recognised for their bravery in anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter terrorism missions in Jammu and Kashmir, while BSF soldiers were honoured for their role in Operation Sindoor along India’s western border.

The parade also featured contingents from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB, and police forces of Assam, Tripura, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, along with NCC cadets. Their participation reflected the unity and strength of the nation.

The Indian Air Force’s Surya Kiran Aerobatic Team also performed an air show at Ekta Nagar during the parade, filling the sky with the colours of the Indian flag and captivating the audience.

After the event, the Prime Minister shared a post on X and wrote, “Paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia. SoU is a monumental tribute to Sardar Patel and his vision towards India’s unity and strength. Standing tall as the world’s tallest statue, it is a symbol of national pride and collective resolve to fulfil Sardar Patel’s dreams.”

A day earlier, the Prime Minister had virtually inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several development projects worth over one thousand one hundred crore rupees at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia. Among the key projects were the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla and the first phase of the Hospitality District at Garudeshwar, along with several infrastructure developments.

He also laid the foundation stone for ten major projects, including the Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, to be built at a cost of 367 crore rupees, and a modern Sports Complex. These projects aim to promote ecotourism, green mobility, and smart infrastructure while supporting tribal development in the region.

Earlier that day, the Prime Minister also flagged off 25 e-buses worth 30 crore rupees to improve tourist transport services in the area, highlighting the government’s focus on sustainable growth and regional development around the Statue of Unity.