New Delhi: In a first in the way the government communicates, a “flash mob” event was held to mark the 141st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, taking passersby at the Gateway of India by a pleasant surprise.

According to officials, lending colour and joy to the occasion, masked dancers from across the country gathered at the Gateway of India in Mumbai last week and performed to ‘Saare Jahan Se Achcha’, highlighting the country’s biggest strength – that of unity in diversity.

Dance forms included Thayyam, Chhau, Kathakali, Bavada and Mayur Nritya, the officials said.

“This riveting performance – a flash mob of sorts – caught the general public, passersby and tourists completely by surprise, creating a wave of excitement and spontaneous participation. Its video was shared on the net, which too is finding a lot of traction,” a senior I&B Ministry official said.

The use of ‘flash mob’ format is unique and unprecedented in government communication in India, the official added. PTI