Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on October 31, marking the 151st birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India. The occasion was celebrated across the country as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).
During the ceremony, Indian Air Force helicopters showered flower petals over the Statue of Unity as a tribute to Sardar Patel.The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹400 crore in Ekta Nagar. These projects include a sewage and water treatment plant, upgraded Narmada Ghat, façade lighting, an IRCTC hotel, and the development of Rainforest, Unity and Eco Trails.
He also laid the foundation stone for the Gora-Bhandra Road development, a zero-waste smart solid waste management project, Khalwani Eco-Tourism Development and improvements to the Cactus and Butterfly Garden.Later in the evening, Modi participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations and witnessed the grand Ekta Parade featuring security forces, police personnel and cultural performances.The initiatives are aimed at improving civic infrastructure, promoting tourism and strengthening Ekta Nagar as a major national tourism destination.
