Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026: Marking the End of Naxalism in Gujarat

On Wednesday, Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan told reporters that the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas scheduled for 31 October in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, will be anchored around one clear theme – the celebration of the end of armed Naxalism. He said the day will be marked by a grand parade that will wind its way past Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with every Central Armed Police Force and state police contingent marching in unison.

What makes this edition a bit different, Mohan added, is the sheer human dimension of the event. More than 5,000 individuals hailing from 126 districts that once bore the brunt of Naxal violence are expected to be on‑site. Among them are roughly 2,000 artisans who, under the banner of the National School of Drama, will stage live recreations of the hardships endured during the height of the insurgency.

“These artists will literally bring to life what they saw and felt when militants roamed their villages,” the Home Secretary explained, pausing for a moment as if recalling the stories he’d heard. “Their performances will be both a reminder and a testimony to how far we have come.”

The parade itself won’t be a simple marching drill. Apart from the usual display of discipline by the CAPFs and state police, there will be cultural vignettes, folk dances and music that reflect the rich tapestry of the affected regions. The aim, officials say, is to blend solemn remembrance with a hopeful outlook for the future.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is not a brand‑new observance. Since its inception in 2019 – when the town of Kevadia was renamed Ekta Nagar – the day has grown into an annual showcase of national unity, always attended by the Prime Minister. Over the years, it has featured parades, cultural programmes and, increasingly, moments that spotlight specific challenges the country has tackled.

In this year’s edition, the emphasis on the “end of Naxalism” is both symbolic and practical. While the insurgency has been considerably weakened, pockets of unrest still linger. By gathering people from the very districts that once lived under the shadow of fear, the government hopes to send a clear message: that peace, once a distant dream, is now a lived reality for many.

As the date draws nearer, organisers are busy fine‑tuning logistics – from seating arrangements for the thousands of guests to rehearsals for the artistic segments. And, of course, the anticipation among the participants is palpable. Many see the event as a chance to finally put their painful pasts behind them and step into a more secure, united future.