Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah today addressed a press conference in Patna, Bihar, outlining the national celebrations marking Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary on the occasion of National Unity Day 2025.
He announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the salute at a grand Unity Parade in Ekta Nagar on October 31, featuring CAPFs, state police contingents, and over 900 artists showcasing India’s discipline, valor, and cultural heritage.
“Sardar Patel was not just a person — he was a vision and an ideology that unified India,” Shah said, calling him the “organizational backbone” of India’s freedom struggle.
Run for Unity, Cultural Showcase & ‘Bharat Parv’ Announced
Shah revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs has institutionalized the Unity Parade as an annual event every October 31, celebrating India’s integrity and the legacy of the Iron Man of India.
This year, a nationwide ‘Run for Unity’ will also take place across states, union territories, police stations, schools, and universities, followed by a Unity Pledge reaffirming commitment to national integrity.
To commemorate Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and Birsa Munda’s 150th year, ‘Bharat Parv’ will be organized in Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15, culminating in a grand tribal cultural festival on November 15.
The Man Who United 562 Princely States
Shah reminded that Sardar Patel’s diplomatic genius united 562 princely states post-independence — shaping modern India’s map.
From Hyderabad to Junagadh, Bhopal to Travancore, Patel resolved every major challenge and thwarted Pakistan’s corridor ambitions.
“When the entire nation was celebrating Independence, Patel was in a command room ensuring Lakshadweep remained part of India,” Shah said, recalling his uncelebrated sacrifice.
Opposition Ignored Patel; Modi Revived His Legacy
Shah said it was “unfortunate” that Patel’s contribution was ignored for decades, and he was awarded the Bharat Ratna after 41 years of his death.
It was only under Narendra Modi, then Chief Minister of Gujarat, that the world’s tallest statue — the 182-meter ‘Statue of Unity’ — was built in 57 months as a tribute.
