Gandhinagar, Nov 1 (NationPress) Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially launched Bharat Parv-2025 at the Statue of Unity grounds, located in Ekta Nagar, accompanied by Assembly Speaker Shankar Chaudhary, Minister of State for Tribal Development and Food and Civil Supplies P. C. Baranda, and other esteemed guests.

This year’s Bharat Parv is organized at Ekta Nagar to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a pivotal role in the unification of India and is celebrated as the Iron Man.

The Chief Minister remarked that Bharat Parv exemplifies the principle articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi - Rajya Anek-Rashtra Ek, Samaj Anek - Bharat Ek, Bhasha Anek- Bhaav Ek, Rang Anek - Tiranga Ek (Many states, one nation; many communities, one India; many languages, one emotion; and many colors, one Tricolor). This festival showcases India’s unique cultural unity amidst its diversity.

He further noted that under the visionary guidance of the Prime Minister, the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, stands as a grand homage to Patel. The Prime Minister is leading the nation towards development to create a ‘Shreshtha Bharat’, just as Patel unified 562 princely states to form ‘One Bharat’.

The Chief Minister expressed gratitude for having a Prime Minister post-independence who exemplifies the spirit of Nation First, prioritizing collective interests over personal gains.

He emphasized that for many years after independence, the celebration of Sardar Jayanti had been a mere formal government affair. However, with the transformative leadership of PM Modi, it has evolved into a significant celebration of national unity, duly honoring Vallabhbhai Patel’s important role in India’s unification.

Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted that since 2014, PM Modi inspired the nation to observe Patel’s birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day).

He pointed out that the Statue of Unity, paralleling Patel’s monumental achievements, has elevated this tribal region to global prominence. Through similar systems and strategies, PM Modi has demonstrated how visionary leadership can initiate transformative change with the establishment of SOU and Ekta Nagar.

On the Bharat Parv festivities, the Chief Minister stated that every evening, cultural performances from two states will be featured. There are 45 food stalls and a live studio kitchen showcasing dishes from various states and Union Territories, along with 55 stalls dedicated to handicrafts and handlooms. The Bharat Darshan Pavilion will display various state pavilions, highlighting their renowned tourist attractions and cultural elements.

Furthermore, in honor of the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a special presentation is scheduled for November 15 at Ekta Nagar.

The Chief Minister remarked that the spirit of unity in diversity defines Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat, which is vividly expressed through our festivals and celebrations. From Gujarat’s Navratri Garba to Maharashtra’s Ganesh Utsav, and from Bihar’s Chhath Puja to West Bengal’s Durga Puja, these celebrations resonate across the nation wherever families from these regions reside, symbolizing cultural harmony.

He further noted that under PM Modi’s vision, the Madhavpur Fair has become a symbol of national unity, connecting the North-Eastern states with Western India. Similar events such as the Saurashtra-Tamil Sangamam and Kashi-Tamil Sangamam have further enhanced India’s unity and integrity, a spirit that Bharat Parv also embodies.

Notably, the Prime Minister has acknowledged the essence of ‘Ek Bharat – Shreshtha Bharat’ by promoting the celebration of different states’ foundation days at Raj Bhavans nationwide.

The Chief Minister concluded by stating that through Bharat Parv, for 15 days, the essence of India and its rich traditions will be revitalized at Ekta Nagar, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of “Vikas bhi, Virasat bhi”.

He also mentioned the Prime Minister's ambition to transform the Statue of Unity and Ekta Nagar into world-class tourist destinations by integrating various attractions around the statue.

The Prime Minister is dedicated to building an Atmanirbhar Bharat and has encouraged individuals to embrace the path of unity illustrated by Patel and adopt Swadeshi. He toured various stalls set up at Bharat Parv within the Statue of Unity.

On this significant occasion, representatives including MP Shri Jashubhai Rathva, MLA Darshanaben Deshmukh, District Panchayat President Bhimsinh Tadvi, MD of SSNNL Shri Mukesh Puri, Tourism Secretary Rajender Kumar, MD of Tourism Corporation Prabhav Joshi, CEO of Statue of Unity Amit Arora, Tribal Development Commissioner Ashishkumar, District Collector S. K. Modi, DDO R. V. Vala, Police Director General Sandeep Singh, District Police Chief Vishakha Dabral, Additional Collector of SOU Gopal Bamaniya, and several senior officials were present.