Kevadia, Gujarat, October 31, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a majestic commemoration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary at the towering Statue of Unity here on Friday, as India marked Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) with a cascade of events underscoring the "Iron Man of India's" indelible legacy in forging a united nation from 562 princely states. Amid vibrant parades, the iconic 'Run for Unity,' and heartfelt tributes across the country, Modi invoked Patel's vision of an undivided India, delivering a pointed critique of historical decisions that, he claimed, fell short of the leader's ambitions for full integration, particularly in Kashmir.
The day dawned with a sense of solemn reverence, blending Patel's birth anniversary—October 31, 1875—with the annual National Unity Day observance instituted in 2015 to honor his role in post-independence consolidation. This year's milestone edition carried the theme "Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat" (One India, Great India), emphasizing unity in diversity amid contemporary challenges like border tensions and regional disparities. Thousands converged at the 182-meter Statue of Unity, the world's tallest, where Modi unveiled a commemorative plaque and floral tributes at Patel's eternal flame, before addressing a massive crowd of over 50,000, including tribal communities from Gujarat's Narmada district.
In a 45-minute speech laced with historical anecdotes, Modi hailed Patel as the architect of modern India, crediting him with averting potential balkanization. "Sardar Patel wanted to unite the entire princely state of Jammu and Kashmir with India, but he was not allowed to do so," Modi asserted, alluding to then-Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru's decisions during the 1947 accession crisis. "If Patel's vision had prevailed, the map of India would have been whole today." The remarks, broadcast live on Doordarshan and social media, drew thunderous applause but sparked immediate rebuttals from Congress leaders, who accused Modi of "distorting history for political gain" on the eve of state elections.
The Kevadia extravaganza featured a spectacular unity parade with 5,000 participants—schoolchildren, armed forces personnel, and folk artists from across 28 states—showcasing cultural vignettes of India's pluralism. Tableaux highlighted Patel's lesser-known contributions, from the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928 to his stewardship of the States Department, which integrated over 500 disparate entities into the Union by 1949. A highlight was the 'Run for Unity,' a 5-km marathon flagged off by Modi, symbolizing collective resolve; over 10,000 runners, including international participants from the UAE and Bhutan, pounded the pavements under the statue's shadow, with winners felicitated in tribal attire.
Nationwide, the fervor echoed in synchrony. In New Delhi, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar and Home Minister Amit Shah presided over events at India Gate, where Shah reiterated Patel's "unwavering commitment to federalism" while launching a digital portal archiving 150 untold stories of his life. Educational institutions from Kerala to Kashmir hosted seminars, essay contests, and unity pledges, with the Ministry of Education mandating special assemblies in over 1.5 million schools. In Patel's birthplace, Nadiad, Gujarat, a week-long cultural fest culminated in a laser light show narrating his journey from a barrister in London to freedom fighter alongside Gandhi. Even in remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands, naval vessels hoisted tricolors in his honor, beaming messages of integration.
Cultural luminaries amplified the tributes: Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith released a short documentary on Patel's socialist ideals, while singer Shankar Mahadevan unveiled a unity anthem, "Ekta Ka Mantra," blending Hindustani and Carnatic strains. Social media buzzed with #Sardar150, garnering 5 million posts by evening, though not without controversy—opposition voices trended #PatelOverNehru, decrying the BJP's narrative as selective amnesia over Patel's socialist leanings and Congress ties.
As dusk fell, Modi's closing words resonated: "Sardar Patel didn't just build a nation; he built its soul. On this 150th milestone, let us pledge to shield his unity from division's shadows." With fireworks illuminating the Narmada River, the celebrations transitioned into a nationwide vigil, reminding millions that Patel's mantra—"Every Indian should forget they were once from a princely state"—remains a beacon in an era of flux. As India reflects, the day not only honored a titan but reaffirmed the fragile yet fierce thread of oneness that binds its 1.4 billion souls.
This report compiles official announcements, event coverage, and public reactions as of 7:00 pm IST on October 31, 2025.
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