Daijiworld Media Network - Gujarat

Gujarat, Oct 26: For the first time since its inception, Ekta Diwas — celebrated annually on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India — will witness a moving parade instead of a static display at Kevadia in Gujarat.

Announcing the development, Border Security Force (BSF) Director General Daljit Singh Chawdhary said on Friday that the event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who initiated the celebration in 2014 to honour Sardar Patel’s contributions to national unity and integration.

Highlighting the key features of this year’s grand event, Chawdhary said the guard of honour will be presented entirely by women police personnel, marking yet another milestone in promoting women’s participation in national ceremonies.

The parade will showcase contingents from India’s paramilitary and police forces, including five Shaurya Chakra awardees from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 16 gallantry medal recipients from the BSF.

“The CRPF personnel honoured in the parade were part of anti-Naxal operations in Jharkhand and counter-terror missions in Jammu & Kashmir, while the BSF awardees played key roles in Operation Sindoor along the western border,” Chawdhary noted.

Adding a vibrant touch to the celebrations, a cultural extravaganza organised by the Union Ministry of Culture will feature 900 artistes performing traditional and classical dance forms, symbolising India’s unity in diversity.

In a historic first, the BSF will also present a marching contingent of indigenous Indian dog breeds, showcasing their role as “force multipliers” in border security operations. “These Indian breeds have made remarkable contributions during BSF operations. Currently, around 150 such dogs are deployed for patrolling along the Pakistan and Bangladesh borders,” the BSF chief added.

The event is expected to draw nationwide attention, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and paying tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India.