Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the nation in celebrating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 145th birth anniversary on Saturday from the Statue of Unity in Kevadia in Gujarat.
The world’s tallest statue of 182 meters of Sardar Patel came up near the Sardar Sarovar dam site two years ago.
Apart from taking part in Ekta Diwas Parade, the prime minister will also administer a pledge for national unity.
During the parade, CRPF’s women force will perform a rifle drill. Other attractions will also include a fly-past by the Indian Air Force.
On the eve of Patel’s birthday, Modi inaugurated a cruise service near the Statue of Unity. The 40-minute cruise will cover six kilometres, according to an official spokesperson.
The prime minister also inaugurated Ekta Mall, an emporium spread over 35000 square feet, where handicrafts from all over the country will be up for sale.
A Nutrition Park and a Safari Park are among the several other attractions that he threw open on Friday. The Safari Park is spread over 375 acre and has 1100 species of birds from India and abroad and about 100 animals.
Modi also launched an application whereby information about Kevadia will be available in six languages. Key areas of the developed region have been lit by LED lights.
Modi landed in Ahmedabad on Friday morning. Immediately thereafter, he headed towards Keshubhai Patel’s residence in Gandhinagar to pay tribute to the leader, who passed away on Thursday. He also paid tribute to singer-actor duo Mahesh-Naresh Kanodiya in Gandhinagar and met their family members.
