National Unity Day: PM Modi pays tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary at Statue of Unity

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat's Kevadia.

PM Modi arrived at the world's tallest statue, dedicated to Patel, near Ekta Nagar in the state's Narmada district in the morning and offered flower petals to pay his respects to the Iron Man of India.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi administered the Unity oath, on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in Kevadia, Gujarat.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/bDV5JBlNSk

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024

The Prime Minister witnessed the National Security Guard (NSG) at the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' parade, organised to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contributions. PM Modi also administered the unity oath. The parade comprised of 16 marching contingents, including those from nine states, one Union Territory police, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC, and a band.

#WATCH | Prime Minister Narendra Modi witnesses the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' parade on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in Kevadia, Gujarat.

(Source: DD News) pic.twitter.com/clVEOXH9kv

— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2024

"On the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, I pay my deepest respects to him. The unity and sovereignty of the nation were his utmost priorities in life. His personality and deeds will continue to inspire every generation of our country," Modi said in a tweet in Hindi.

PM Modi is on a two-day Gujarat visit. On Wednesday, he inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects as well as new tourist attractions worth Rs 284 crore.

Since 2014, Sardar Patel 's birth anniversary has been celebrated on October 31 as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', or National Unity Day.