PM addresses Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at Kevadia on Sardar Patel's 150th birth anniversary
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas programme at Kevadia, Gujarat, on 31 October 2025, marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Summary
On 31 October 2025 at Kevadia, Gujarat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi led Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary. He recalled that Patel integrated over 550 princely states after Independence and named four pillars of India's unity: cultural unity, linguistic unity, inclusive development and connection of hearts through connectivity. The parade featured a BSF contingent made up only of Indian breed dogs such as Rampur and Mudhol Hounds, and ten tableaux on the theme 'Unity in Diversity'. The PM also interacted with 660 officer trainees of the 100th Foundation Course at Aarambh 7.0. The government decided in October 2014 to observe Patel's birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas every year, and the 182-metre Statue of Unity at Kevadia was dedicated to the nation on 31 October 2018.
Key facts
- Date/place
- 31 Oct 2025, Kevadia (Ekta Nagar), Gujarat
- Occasion
- 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
- Princely states integrated
- Over 550
- Parade highlight
- BSF contingent of Indian breed dogs (Rampur, Mudhol Hounds); 10 tableaux
- Aarambh 7.0
- 100th Foundation Course, 660 officer trainees, theme 'Reimagining Governance'
- Ekta Diwas declared
- October 2014 (MHA)
- Statue of Unity
- 182 m, dedicated 31 Oct 2018
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Consider the following statements about Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025: 1. It marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. 2. The Prime Minister recalled that Sardar Patel integrated over 550 princely states after Independence. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 31 October 2025 celebrations at Kevadia marked Patel's 150th birth anniversary, and the PM recalled the integration of over 550 princely states.
In which year did the Government of India decide to observe Sardar Patel's birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas every year?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 2014
The Ministry of Home Affairs announced in October 2014 that 31 October would be observed every year as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
What is the height of the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, dedicated to the nation on 31 October 2018?
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Correct answer: D — 182 metres
The 182-metre statue of Sardar Patel was dedicated to the nation on his birth anniversary in 2018 at Kevadiya, Narmada district.
The BSF marching contingent at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025 parade was made up exclusively of:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Indian breed dogs such as Rampur and Mudhol Hounds
A key attraction was a BSF marching contingent comprising only Indian breed dogs such as Rampur Hounds and Mudhol Hounds.