Kevadia, Oct 31 (NationPress) In a touching exhibition of humility and national pride, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gracefully traversed the entire Ekta Parade ground at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, on Friday. He warmly waved and exchanged greetings with thousands of citizens, security personnel, and parade participants.

This heartfelt action followed the grand Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) parade, highlighting PM Modi's profound respect for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as the nation commemorates the Iron Man’s 150th birth anniversary.

As the parade concluded, PM Modi chose to disregard the usual quick exit protocol, instead walking across the vast venue—adorned by the impressive 182-metre 'Statue of Unity'—to connect with the attendees personally.

Clad in his signature kurta, he took moments to pose for selfies, exchange high-fives, and engage in conversations, drawing enthusiastic cheers and chants of 'Modi! Modi!' and 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai!' from the diverse audience, which included families, schoolchildren, and tourists who had registered for the event.

“This is not merely a parade; it is a living tribute to Sardar Patel’s vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” PM Modi shared with a group of youth participants, as reported by eyewitnesses.

The heartfelt moment, captured in viral videos on social media, illustrated PM Modi’s personal connection with the common people.

Earlier, he honored the statue with floral tributes and unveiled commemorative coins and stamps celebrating the legacy of the 'Iron Man' Sardar Patel.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed, “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas serves as a reminder of Sardar Patel’s unparalleled commitment to national unity and integration. Let the spirit of oneness continue to inspire our nation.”

The Ekta Parade was a magnificent spectacle resembling Republic Day celebrations, themed around 'Unity in Diversity'. It included marching contingents from elite forces such as the National Security Guard (NSG), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and the Border Security Force (BSF) Camel Band, along with state police units from Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Manipur, Maharashtra, and more.

Tableaux from various states showcased India's rich cultural diversity, highlighted by BSF dog squads demonstrating anti-terror operations, thrilling motorcycle stunts by Assam Police, and an impressive air show by the Surya Kiran aerobatic team.

PM Modi, who inaugurated and reviewed the parade, led the massive crowd in administering the 'Oath of Unity,' reaffirming Patel's vision of a unified India forged from over 560 princely states after Independence. The event attracted Chief Ministers from multiple states and an estimated 50,000 participants.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the annual parade as a lasting tribute to Patel's legacy, announcing the commencement of a 15-day 'Bharat Parv' cultural festival starting November 1.