The nation today stood in collective reverence to honour the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrated as Rashtriya Ekta Divas 2025, marking a momentous occasion that rekindled the spirit of national unity, integrity, and self-reliance envisioned by India’s Iron Man. From solemn floral tributes in the heart of Delhi to grand celebrations at the Statue of Unity in Nandia, Gujarat, Bharat paid homage to the man who stitched together the fabric of independent India.
At Delhi’s Patel Chowk, President Droupadi Murmu led the nation’s tribute, offering a floral garland at the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The ceremony, attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, was steeped in reverence and gratitude. Together, they remembered the monumental contributions of the statesman who united over 560 princely states and laid the foundation of a sovereign and united Bharat.
President Murmu’s gesture symbolised the gratitude of a nation indebted to Patel’s farsightedness and administrative acumen qualities that not only preserved India’s territorial unity post-Independence but also defined the country’s federal and governance framework.
President Droupadi Murmu paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th birth anniversary at Sardar Patel Chowk in New Delhi. She also offered floral tributes to Sardar Patel at Gantantra Mandap, Rashtrapati Bhavan. pic.twitter.com/ng1mP4PJ0U
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) October 31, 2025
The central celebration unfolded at the Statue of Unity the 182-metre-tall monumental tribute to Sardar Patel, which stands as the tallest statue in the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had inaugurated this colossal monument in 2018, led the nation in observing the Rashtriya Ekta Divas pledge ceremony amidst thousands of participants gathered in Nandia, Gujarat.
With folded hands, PM Modi paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel before reciting the National Unity Pledge, reaffirming the nation’s dedication to the preservation of its unity, integrity, and 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,” the Prime Minister declared.
The Unity Parade, a highlight of the event, was led by women personnel, symbolising the strength and inclusivity of Bharat’s national character. The parade was commanded by IPS officer Simran Bhardwaj of the Gujarat cadre, reflecting Sardar Patel’s lifelong advocacy for discipline, dedication, and service through the Indian Civil Services an institution he envisioned as the steel framework of the nation.
In a heartfelt message on X, Prime Minister Modi paid glowing tribute to Patel, calling him the “driving force behind India’s integration.”
“India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance, and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong, and self-reliant India,” PM Modi wrote.
India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India’s integration, thus shaping our nation’s destiny in its formative years. His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to… pic.twitter.com/7quK4qiHdN
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2025
He further recalled how Sardar Patel’s courage and administrative wisdom prevented India from fragmenting during its fragile post-Independence years. “At a time when divisions threatened the soul of our newly independent nation, it was Sardar Patel’s firmness and patriotism that ensured Bharat stood as one,” the Prime Minister remarked during his address at the Statue of Unity.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who also paid homage at Patel Chowk, underscored Patel’s vision of rural prosperity and cooperative empowerment.
“On the occasion of his birth anniversary, I pay homage to the Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ji, a symbol of national unity, integrity, and the empowerment of farmers, on behalf of a grateful nation,” Amit Shah posted on X.
“Sardar Sahab strengthened the unity and security of the country by integrating the princely states and advanced the nation toward self-employment and self-reliance by connecting farmers, backward classes, and the deprived with cooperatives. His firm belief was that the axis of the country’s development lies in the prosperity of farmers. It is the duty of every patriot to safeguard the nation that Sardar Sahab built, bound by the principles of justice and unity.”
राष्ट्रीय एकता, अखंडता और किसानों के सशक्तीकरण के प्रतीक लौहपुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल जी का उनकी जयंती पर कृतज्ञ राष्ट्र की ओर से वंदन करता हूँ।
सरदार साहब ने रियासतों का एकीकरण कर देश की एकता और सुरक्षा को सुदृढ़ बनाया और किसानों, पिछड़ों और वंचितों को सहकारिता से जोड़कर देश को… pic.twitter.com/rHTtTdhTt5
— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 31, 2025
Across India, Rashtriya Ekta Divas was observed with patriotic zeal. Educational institutions, government offices, and social organisations conducted unity runs, essay competitions, and oath-taking ceremonies to spread the message of oneness and collective strength. In several cities, youth and civil servants retraced the historical efforts of Patel through exhibitions, documentaries, and cultural programmes.
In Gujarat, the celebrations extended across the Narmada district, where the Statue of Unity stands as an emblem of national resolve. The monument drew visitors from across India and abroad, each paying homage to the man who made India’s unity a reality.
Born on October 31, 1875, in Nandia, Gujarat, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel emerged as one of the most fearless leaders of India’s freedom movement. A close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, Patel’s strategic brilliance and administrative prowess earned him the title of “Iron Man of India.”
After Independence, as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, he faced the formidable challenge of unifying over 560 princely states into one nation. His diplomatic skill, coupled with firm resolve, averted Balkanisation and ensured that Bharat emerged as a single, sovereign entity. His vision laid the foundation for modern India’s political unity, bureaucratic discipline, and national identity.
Seventy-eight years after his passing, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s ideals remain central to Bharat’s nation-building journey. The 150th Jayanti celebration not only honoured his monumental contributions but also served as a national call to preserve what he created an India bound by unity, diversity, and strength of purpose.
