India celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, with nationwide events that underscored his enduring legacy of unity, integrity, and patriotism. From the grand tableau parade at Ekta Nagar in Kevadia, Gujarat, to the spirited Run for Unity in Port Blair, the nation collectively paid tribute to the architect of India’s political integration on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
At Ekta Nagar, the celebrations reached a historic milestone with the introduction of a first-of-its-kind Tableau Parade themed around ‘Unity,’ symbolizing India’s cultural diversity and shared heritage. The event at the Statue of Unity, Patel’s monumental tribute site, brought together ten vibrant tableaux representing different states and organizations, NSG, NDRF, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Manipur, Puducherry, and Uttarakhand.
Each tableau encapsulated the unique cultural essence of its region, while collectively highlighting the unifying thread of national identity that Patel envisioned for a newly independent India. The carefully designed displays merged traditional art forms with modern symbolism to convey the strength of unity amid diversity.
Among the most captivating entries, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands tableau stood out for its striking representation of the archipelago’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. It showcased the lush flora and fauna, iconic lighthouses, and the archipelago’s thriving marine biodiversity. Adding a lively dimension to the presentation, Nicobari youth performed a traditional dance, portraying the Islands’ distinctive tribal culture and the unifying traditions of the Nicobars. The performance drew attention for its authenticity and grace, celebrating the deep-rooted cultural connections that define the archipelago’s identity.
As the tableaux moved past the audience in rhythmic succession, the parade became a living canvas of India’s unity in diversity. The juxtaposition of regional motifs and national pride illustrated the very ideals Sardar Patel dedicated his life to, fostering integration among India’s many regions, languages, and cultures. The grandeur of the event, set against the backdrop of the Statue of Unity, reinforced Patel’s legacy as a nation-builder whose vision continues to resonate across generations.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometres away, the spirit of unity was equally palpable in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, where the Department of Education and Sports, in collaboration with other departments, organized the annual Run for Unity in Port Blair. The event drew massive participation from school and college students, teachers, parents, and residents, transforming Netaji Stadium and its surrounding routes into a vibrant symbol of collective strength.
The Unity Pledge was administered before the run commenced, with the event flagged off by dignitaries including the Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Secretary (Education/Sports), Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), and Director (Education/Sports). The runners, carrying banners and placards echoing Patel’s message of national integration, coursed through the town’s main thoroughfares before returning to the stadium.
The event emphasized inclusivity and public participation, uniting people from all walks of life under a single theme — strengthening the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.’ The enthusiasm among young participants reflected how Patel’s vision continues to inspire future generations toward a more cohesive and united India.
Complementing the public event, a formal ceremony was held at the Secretariat, where the Chief Secretary administered the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge to officers and staff of the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. The observance underscored the commitment of public institutions to uphold national unity and integrity in governance.
Together, the celebrations in Kevadia and Port Blair mirrored the nationwide fervour with which Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was observed. While Kevadia’s tableau parade showcased India’s cultural and regional richness through artistic expression, the Run for Unity in the Islands demonstrated grassroots participation and collective pride. Both events highlighted how Patel’s ideals transcend geography, uniting mainland India and distant island territories in a common celebration of national identity.
The convergence of creativity, public participation, and civic commitment marked this year’s Ekta Diwas as one of the most inclusive tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The tableaux reflected the tapestry of traditions and landscapes that form India’s pluralistic character, while the unity runs and pledges across the nation reaffirmed the emotional and civic bonds that hold it together.
As the day’s celebrations concluded, the overarching message remained clear, unity is not merely a historical ideal but a living principle that continues to define India’s strength. From the symbolic echoes of Patel’s vision at the Statue of Unity to the enthusiastic chants of runners in Port Blair, the nation stood together to celebrate its diversity as its greatest asset.
Through the combined visual spectacle of Kevadia’s parade and the mass participation in the Islands’ run, the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reaffirmed that India’s unity, both cultural and civic, remains its most enduring tribute to the man who made it whole.
