Today is National Unity Day. Every year on 31st October the country commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is a pivotal figure in India’s struggle for independence and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country. National Unity Day serves as a reminder of his efforts to unite the diverse princely states into a single nation and fosters a spirit of solidarity among the people of the country. Renowned for his exceptional leadership and unyielding commitment to national integration, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is fondly remembered as the Iron Man of India.

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will offer floral tribute at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, Gujarat, which will be followed by Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. He will administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and witness Ekta Diwas Parade, which will comprise of 16 marching contingents from nine States and one UT Police, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC and a marching band. Special attractions include Hell March contingent of NSG, daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, a show on combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF, piped band show by school children and ‘Surya Kiran’ flypast by the Indian Air Force.