AROUND 2,000 artists from 126 Naxal-affected districts across the country will participate in this year’s Ekta Diwas parade in Gujarat’s Kevadia as part of a special programme celebrating national unity and the end of armed Naxalism, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference, Mohan said the annual Ekta Diwas celebrations, held to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, feature a parade, cultural performances and other events to be attended by PM. This year, the celebrations will include several new initiatives aimed at highlighting the achievements of security forces in eliminating Naxalism from the country and showcasing the country’s cultural diversity, including a play on Anandamath written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, besides a cultural program by people who have settled in Gujarat from different parts of the country, he said.

 

A major highlight will be the participation of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces, other central police organisations and state police forces that have played a crucial role in combating armed Naxalism. As the contingents march past the prime minister, LED screens will showcase short films highlighting their achievements and contributions to maintaining peace and security in affected regions, he said.

 

The cultural programme will bring together approximately 2,000 artists representing 126 districts that have experienced the impact of Naxal violence over the years, Mohan said. Their participation will underline the resilience of communities that have endured conflict and highlight the role of cultural expression in strengthening national integration, he said. The celebrations are also intended to encourage people from across India to visit Kevadia, home to the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The surrounding region has developed into a major tourist destination, offering several attractions for visitors, he said. Through the expanded parade and cultural performances, the celebrations will honour the contributions of security personnel while recognising the journey of communities affected by violence towards peace and development, he said.