The 143rd Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was celebrated at the Embassy of India, Washington DC on Friday, November 2, 2018. The event started with Deputy Chief of Mission,  Mr. Santosh Jha paying floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.  Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief of Mission referred to Sardar Patel's outstanding contribution as one of the leaders of India's freedom movement and highlighted his role in the integration of Indian states post-independence, as India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Sardar Patel's birthday on October 31 is celebrated as Ekta Diwas or day of Unity in India. To honour his memory, the Government of India has constructed, a Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India on October 31, 2018. 

On the occasion, a Statue of Unity Anthem and a documentary on the life and work of Sardar Patel were also screened at the Embassy.

The event was attended by more than 200 guests.