Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Ahmedabad, Oct 31 (IANS) In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country celebrated National Unity Day on the 150th birth anniversary of Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, with a grand parade showcasing India’s unity in diversity and women empowerment.
The highlight of the event was the active leadership of women officers who commanded several contingents, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting gender equality and inclusive leadership. From security forces to cultural contingents, women took charge, symbolizing strength, discipline and empowerment in action.
The parade included a variety of participating forces including the Border Security Force (BSF) and its band, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and CISF Band, and police contingents from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tripura.
Other participating units included the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Band, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Band, Delhi Police Band, NCC infantry contingent, mounted and dog units, camel contingent and camel-mounted band as well as the Sanitation Machine Contingent, an epitome of civic responsibility and modernity.
Each unit presented a spectacular display of discipline, coordination and national pride – reflecting the themes of unity, peace, harmony and women empowerment.
Prime Minister Modi took the salute of all the contingents, appreciating their efforts in reflecting the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. The parade held in Ekta Nagar near the Statue of Unity reflects the enduring legacy of Sardar Patel, who united 562 princely states to form a unified India.
The event was a vivid reminder of his vision for a strong, united and inclusive nation. Today, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ in Ahmedabad, organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation on the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and architect of national unity.
At the programme, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel at Sardar Patel Colony, Narangpura, before leading the march, which started at 7.30 am and ended at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Ashram Road, passing through Sardar Patel Stadium Road and CG Road.
Recalling Sardar Patel’s important role in unifying 562 princely states after Independence, the Chief Minister said, “It was Sardar Patel who laid the foundation of a united India and under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah carried forward that legacy by abrogating Article 370 to strengthen the unity and integrity of India.”
He said that since 2014, under the guidance of the Prime Minister, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary is celebrated as National Unity Day across the country, symbolizing the unity and collective strength of India. “Today’s unity march reflects the enduring ideals of national unity and solidarity,” he said.
Highlighting Gujarat’s growing pride in self-reliance, CM Patel remarked that the enthusiasm to buy indigenous goods this Diwali reflects the spirit of patriotism seen during India’s freedom struggle.
“Let us all remember Sardar Saheb and commit ourselves to building a united, self-reliant and developed India,” he urged.
–IANS
janvi/svn