Union Home Minister Amit Shahon Thursday announced that a Republic Day style parade will be conducted every year on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and the ‘’Iron Man of India.’’ The announcement was made as the country celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), which pays tribute to Patel’s crucial role in uniting the nation after independence.
Addressing the gathering, Shah stated, “We all know that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a major role in uniting India post-independence..This year’s unique celebrations of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas will include a grand parade. The Home Ministry has decided that, from this year onward, a grand parade will be organised on every 31st October,” as quoted by ANI.
[img=1px,1px]https://data.indianexpress.com/election2019/track_1x1.jpg[/img]He further added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the first parade at 7:55 am in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, where CAPFs and state police will showcase their discipline and valour.
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Shah slams Congress and gives credit to PM Modi for the Statue of Unity
In a strong statement, Shah blamed the Congress for neglecting Sardar Patel’s legacy after independence. “There is a 41-year delay in awarding the Bharat Ratna to a great personality like Sardar Patel, solely because of the Congress party’s distinct lack of respect for him, ” he stated. Meanwhile, Shah also praised Prime Minister Modi for commissioning the Statue of Indiaand building the Sardar Patel Memorial. He described it as “a magnificent monument that has become famous worldwide.”
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Two-week celebration and ‘Run for Unity’ announced
The Home Minister also revealed plans for a two-week celebration at Ekta Nagar from November 1 to 15. It will display Bharat Parv, a cultural festival which will feature a food fair, performances and an event marking Birsa Munda Jayanti.
Shah added that the nationwide “Run for Unity” initiative will be boosted so that it reaches every state, school, university, district and police station.
As per the officials mentioned in the ANI report, 16 contingents incorporating ITBP, BSF, NCC, CISF and CRPF will participate in the grand parade. Shaurya Chakra awardees and medal-winning winners will also join the celebrations along with the school and band performances, celebrating national unity.
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