Everyone likes to celebrate their birthdays. Usually, many people start planning months ago, where they will celebrate, whom to invite and what will the theme be. All these are common things that come into the mind of the people. However, the birthday celebration of some people is not only limited to their family, friends or relatives, it has become a national event. There are many people who are still in our hearts or minds even after their death and hence each life event has become a source of celebration for us.
Late political leaders or ministers are such personalities who are always alive in our minds and hearts. The role they played in getting freedom and shaping the national constitution is one which is never forgotten. And this could be the reason that we celebrate their birthdays even after their deaths. In this regard, India is celebrating the birth anniversary of one such former minister and freedom fighter who played a crucial role in shaping the nation. 31st October is marked as the birth anniversary of former deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This day is also marked as “National Unity Day”.
The contribution he made to the nation is unforgettable and due to that his birthday is celebrated in Ahmedabad with a great pomp and show. Besides it, the iconic Statue of Unity is also dedicated to the former deputy PM of India. The statue is situated at Ekta Nagar in Narmada District and it is all set to commemorate the 5th Ekta Diwas which also marks the 148th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The current Prime Minister of India has already reached Ahmedabad to celebrate the fifth Ekta Diwas.
A parade has been reported on the 148th birth anniversary and this year many teams from the Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) are participating for the first time. The teams from VVP include the Union Territory of Ladakh, Uttarakhand, and Sikkim. Just like most of the parade, each of the teams is dressing in traditional attire. Apart from folk dance and music, each team will perform according to their theme. The theme of the Ladakh team is handicraft and solar energy. Besides it, security forces are also taking part in the event and people will witness camel-mounted Border Security Force performance in the event. This security force is specially coming from Rajasthan.
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi made a Tweet on the occasion of the 148th birth anniversary which reads that “On the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, we remember his visionary statesmanship, indomitable spirit, and the extraordinary dedication with which he shaped the destiny of our nation. It is impossible to forgive the crucial role of the former Deputy Prime Minister of India. His commitment to national integration continues to navigate us. We are forever indebted to his service.”
In this mega event, PM Modi will meet with trainee officers of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. Furthermore, the PM will also launch projects that come under the Statue of Unity Area Development and Tourism Governance Authority (SOUADTGA) including a public bike-sharing program, thirty electric buses, fostering environmental sustainability, the distribution of city gas and many other projects. Moreover, the PM will also virtually signal a train which is Ahmedabad- Ekta Nagar Special train. This train will start on the occasion of National Unity Day on Sunday, 5th November 2023. The aim of this special train is to promote tourist-friendly trains.
Minister Of Home Affairs Of India, Amit Shah also remembered the contribution of Sardar Padel in national unity. In his statement, he states that the former deputy Prime Minister of India is the reason for a united nation.