Narmada: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday at the Statue of Unity in Narmada district. Vallabhbhai Patel’s birthday was observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) since 2014.

This is the 150^th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who is also called as “Iron Man of India”.

PM Modi offered flowers at the 182-metre tall statue in Ekta Nagar before heading to a nearby venue to administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and attend the National Unity Day parade.

This year’s celebrations feature a cultural festival and a grand parade showcasing contingents from the BSF, CRPF, and various state police forces. This event has become even more special with the parade being organized on the lines of Republic Day parade.