National Unity Day 2025: PM Pays Tribute to Sardar Patel at Statue of Unity
On 31 October 2025 — celebrated as National Unity Day in India — the country marked the 150th birth anniversary of the great leader Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The occasion was observed with full state honours at the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, where Narendra Modi laid floral tributes and addressed a massive gathering, emphasising unity, collaboration and national service.
Honouring Sardar Patel’s Legacy
Sardar Patel, often called the “Iron Man of India,” played a foundational role in the integration of more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union after independence. His vision of a united nation, administrative discipline and service to the people has continued to inspire India’s ethos of unity in diversity.
This year’s 150th anniversary added extra weight to the celebrations — creating a perfect backdrop for National Unity Day and reaffirming the message of forging a cohesive, resilient India.
Ceremony at the Statue of Unity
The event was held at the world-famous Statue of Unity — the 182-meter tall monument dedicated to Sardar Patel, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat. Dignitaries, defence personnel, students and thousands of citizens gathered there to witness the parade, flag march, cultural performances and floral homage.
Prime Minister Modi offered floral tributes at the monument, participated in the ceremony and underscored that Unity Day is not just a commemorative date but a call to action for every Indian — to stand together across communities, regions and ideologies.
Themes & Key Messages
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasised:
- Unity in Diversity: India’s strength lies in its pluralism — in different languages, faiths, cultures and traditions coming together under one national identity.
- Service to the Nation: Drawing from Patel’s example, he urged citizens—especially youth—to dedicate themselves to public service, development and national progress.
- Resilience and Integration: Reflecting on India’s achievements, he highlighted how integration of states, inclusive growth and social cohesion are central to enduring unity.
- Forward-Looking Vision: While honouring the past, the event shifted focus to future challenges—such as digital inclusion, sustainable development, and harnessing the energy of India’s demographic dividend—in the spirit of a united effort.
Cultural Highlights
The programme featured a spectacular parade by paramilitary and state police forces, traditional folk performances, drone light displays and a vibrant tableau that traversed through Gujarat’s history, tribal traditions and Patel’s life story. Educational institutions across the state and country participated with students performing “Ekta” themed programmes outside the monument.
Importance for the Nation
National Unity Day serves as a reminder of India’s journey — from fragmentation, princely states and colonial rule to a modern republic embracing diversity and development. Celebrating this day at the Statue of Unity not only honours one individual but symbolises the ongoing commitment to integration, harmony and collective progress.
For citizens, the day invites reflection: how each person—regardless of background—can contribute to national cohesion, mutual respect and shared progress. It reinforces the idea that unity is not uniformity, but coming together with all our differences for a greater goal.
Final Thoughts
National Unity Day 2025 at the Statue of Unity was more than a ceremonial event—it was a reaffirmation of India’s foundational promise. As floral tributes were laid and the national flag waved under clear skies, the message emerged loud and clear: India is strongest when it is together, inclusive, and striving.
In the footsteps of Sardar Patel, the call is renewed: Let us remain united in purpose, unstoppable in progress and unwavering in service to the nation.