Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 149th birth anniversary at the State of Unity in Gujarat.
A mega event has been organised to commemorate the great freedom fighter and first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. His birth anniversary coincides with the festival of Diwali this year which is being celebrated across the nation and around the globe.
The event began with Modi paying floral tribute to Patel, also known as "Iron Man of India." He then attended the Unity Day Parade in Kevadia and administered the Unity oath.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or the Unity Parade consisted of 16 marching contingents including those from the police forces of nine states and one Union Territory, four Central Armed Police Forces, the NCC, and a marching band.
During his address, Modi said that the country will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel for the next two years.
Earlier in the day, Modi extended greetings on the occasion of Diwali wishing health, happiness, and prosperity for everyone.
"Many happy wishes to the countrymen on Deepawali. On this divine festival of lights, I wish everyone a healthy, happy and prosperous life. May everyone prosper with the blessings of Maa Lakshmi and Lord Shri Ganesha," he said in a post on X.
President Drouapdu Murmu also greeted citizens and people around the world.
"On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, we should illuminate our conscience, adopt virtues of love and compassion, and promote social harmony," she said reminding the festival is also "an opportunity to help deprived and needy."
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar wished that the light of Diwali " guide us towards unity, prosperity, and progress." "Let’s embrace the spirit of hope, wisdom, and compassion, enriching our lives and communities," he said in an X post.