EKTA NAGAR, KEVADIA: Anand Math, the literary source of ‘Vande Mataram’, was adapted into a grand, multimedia-based play and showcased at Ekta Nagar, Kevadia, here on Friday in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the eve of the Ekta Diwas, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary.Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary on Oct 31 this year is focused on celebrating the end of armed Naxalism and 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’. The prime minister is the chief guest at the Ekta Diwas events this year, organised here with the ‘Statue of Unity’ as a backdrop. The one-and-a-half hour long play ‘Anand Math’ is directed by NSD, It is based on the abiding philosophy of Anand Math: that every person of India has a responsibility of building a bright future for the country and being aware of its cultural heritage.Members of Anand Math author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’ family sat beside the Prime minister, watching the dramatic recreation of the Bengali novel. The innovative use of digital screens to lend a cinematic edge to the sets, set the performance apart.“The Chattopadhyay family is glad that Vande Mataram is being sung in full. Justice was not being done to the sentiment behind Anand Math when just two stanzas were sung,” Shantanu Chatterjee, a member of the family who watched the play Anand Math, told TOI.The play, in fact, ended with the rendition of Vande Mataram in full.Ekta Nagar, which houses the towering statue of Sardar Patel and other tourist attractions, is the venue of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade, which is almost on the lines of Republic Day parade in Delhi, possibly grander with several events organised alongside the parade. The town is currently glowing with festive lights, with lit up pieces of art showcasing the culture and traditions of each state. Tourists from all over the country have descended here to watch the ‘Unity Day’ spectacle.On Saturday, 7,000 people from 126 districts that at some point of time were affected by Left-wing extremism, will participate both as performers and spectators in the event.Around 2,000 artists drawn from the 126 districts will join the celebrations by putting up a drama performance, also directed by the National School of Drama (NSD), through which they will recount how their life and property were threatened when Naxalism was rampant in their area.In addition, around 5,000 local people from these 126 districts have been invited. They will not only be spectators for all the performances but will also, through their interactions, share the hardships they had to undergo at the hands of Maoists and how their lives have changed now.“Their participation will underline the resilience of communities that have endured conflict and highlight the role of cultural expression in strengthening national integration,” said Govind Mohan.The 2026 edition of the parade will also feature march-past by contingents of all the central armed police forces (CAPFs) and state police personnel who were in the forefront of the decisive fight against left-wing extremist violence. A short film will play on LED screens at the venue as the contingents pass in front of the Prime Minister, the chief guest, summarising the salient feature of their achievements in eliminating armed Naxalism.The Ekta Diwas parade, to be held in the evening hours this year, will also feature tableaux designed around the theme of “Vande Mataram” and constructed by the people and private entities with corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds, with no involvement of the govt. The 15 designs for the tableaux, selected through competition, are based on the implications of ‘Vande Mataram’ on nationhood and development.
There will also be a cultural programme curated entirely by people from different states and communities who have made Gujarat their home. Around 5,000 artists will showcase dances and culture of their respective states through this mega-performance.