- Over ₹1,140-Crore Development Push for Ekta Nagar; Parade to Feature Indian-Breed BSF Dogs, Tribal Showcases, and ‘Unity in Diversity’ Tableaux
- State Machinery on High Alert Amid Cyclone Montha Aftermath; CM, Deputy CM, Governor and Armed Forces Extend Support and Solidarity
- PM to Interact with 660 Officer Trainees at Aarambh 7.0, Release ₹150 Commemorative Coin and Stamp Honouring Iron Man of India
NE NEWS SERVICE
GANDHINAGAR, OCT 29
As the nation braces for the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Gujarat on October 30–31 to lead the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, in a tribute that fuses heritage, modern governance, and national unity.
The two-day visit will also mark the inauguration and foundation laying of infrastructure and development projects worth ₹1,140 crore, aimed at promoting eco-tourism, green mobility, and tribal development around the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue and a symbol of India’s collective strength.
Unity in Diversity Takes Centre Stage
The Ekta Diwas parade on October 31 will be the highlight, featuring contingents from the BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB, along with state police forces. This year’s special attraction will be a BSF marching contingent featuring Indian-bred dogs — Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds, a first-of-its-kind display of indigenous capability.
The parade will also include Gujarat Police’s Horse Contingent, Assam Police’s Motorcycle Daredevil Show, and the BSF’s Camel Contingent and Camel-Mounted Band.
Ten tableaux from various states and central forces — from Manipur to Maharashtra and NDRF to NSG — will depict the theme “Unity in Diversity.”
The celebration will feature a grand cultural performance by 900 artists showcasing classical dance forms that represent India’s rich composite culture.
Strong Message of Resilience Amid Cyclone Montha
Even as parts of southern India recover from Cyclone Montha, Gujarat leaders extended messages of solidarity and readiness to assist affected states.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said, “As our Prime Minister leads the nation in honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Gujarat stands united with our brothers and sisters in Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. We are in close touch with the Centre and have offered logistical and relief assistance where required.”
Deputy Chief Minister Haresh Sanghavi noted that the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat was most visible during crises.
“Cyclone Montha reminds us that unity is our greatest strength — both in celebration and in adversity. Our administration and armed forces exemplify the same spirit that Sardar Patel envisioned for India,” he said.
Governor, DGP, and Armed Forces Laud National Preparedness
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat praised the national coordination during the cyclone response, saying,
“Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India has shown how federal cooperation and technological readiness — from early warning systems to telecom resilience — safeguard citizens’ lives.”
Director General of Police Vikas Sahay said security arrangements have been “comprehensive and multi-layered” ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.
“Over 5,000 police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed in and around Ekta Nagar. Joint teams with BSF and CRPF have been rehearsing the parade and coordinating closely with intelligence agencies to ensure smooth proceedings,” he stated.
A senior BSF official at the Narmada Command added, “This Ekta Diwas parade not only celebrates unity but also showcases India’s self-reliance in defence breeding and training. Our Indian-bred canine units — Rampur and Mudhol hounds — are an embodiment of the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.”
An Army spokesperson from the Southern Command remarked, “Our units stand ready for any emergency deployment in coordination with the NDRF and SDRF, as the armed forces continue to play a dual role — safeguarding borders and supporting civil administrations during natural calamities.”
Development, Dialogue, and Dedication
On October 30, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Birsa Munda Tribal University in Rajpipla, a Hospitality District (Phase-1) at Garudeshwar, and other key infrastructure, including E-bus depots, walkways, and green mobility projects.
He will also lay the foundation stone for Veer Balak Udyan, Museum of Royal Kingdoms of India, and Travelators at the Statue of Unity, designed to enhance accessibility and sustainability.
On October 31, after offering floral tributes to Sardar Patel, the Prime Minister will administer the Ekta Pledge, participate in the grand parade, and interact with 660 officer trainees from 16 Indian and 3 Bhutanese civil services at the culmination of Aarambh 7.0, themed “Reimagining Governance.”
The Prime Minister will also release a commemorative ₹150 coin and postal stamp to mark Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary — a symbolic salute to the statesman who united India.
As the nation celebrates its architect of unity, the twin narratives of national strength and resilience — from cyclone response to unity parades — reaffirm that Sardar Patel’s legacy continues to guide India’s collective resolve.
