Kohima, October 31 (MExN): A state level function was held on October 31 at the Nagaland Civil Secretariat with a combined observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas – National Unity day, the birth anniversary of a leader and a freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhai Patel together with Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas – National Re- dedication day in commemoration of the death anniversary of Prime Minister late Indira Gandhi.
Undertaking of respective pledges of National Unity Day as well as National Re-Dedication day marked the solemn occasion. The function was chaired by the Secretary of Home Department, Rovilato Mor IAS.
A unity run was organized by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports in Kohima to commemorate the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Niwas’ (National Unity Day) on October 31. The unity Run began from High School junction, Kohima and finished at Khouchiezie (Kohima Local Ground) covering a distance of around 3 kms.
Earlier, the unity run was flagged off from High School Junction Kohima by T. John Longkumer, IPS DGP.
The unity run concluded at Khouchiezie, Kohima Local Ground where Deputy Commissioner Kohima, Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS reminded that the programme was not only about the run but more importantly for fostering a sense of unity and integrity among the people. The concluding programme ended with all the participants as well as the organizers taking the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) Pledge.
All together around 300 people participated in the Unity Run which included school students, staff of Deputy Commissioner Office, Police officers and Security personnel. Kevide Kikhu and Reena Rai from the boys and girls category respectively were the fastest to complete the run.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) was introduced by the Government of India and inaugurated by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in 2014. The intent is to pay tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel, who was instrumental in keeping India united. It is to be celebrated on 31st October every year as annual commemoration of the birthday of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding leaders of Republic of India.
SSP join ‘Runs For Unity’
Remembering the momentous service and legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sainik School Punglwa (SSP) organised a run for unity on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31.
The run was flagged off by the Principal Gp Capt Sharad R Keskar in the early morning. The motive of the Run was to spread the message of ‘Unity in Diversity’ and strengthening the integrity towards a better society. The event witnessed participation by all cadets, staff and officers. Participants ran a distance stretch of 4 kms under the banner ‘Run For Unity’.
As part of the event, special assembly was conducted wherein Cdt Kipa Amak delivered a speech on ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’. Cadets and staff took a pledge of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ and solemnly resolved to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
Debate competition at NU Lumami
Nagaland University, Lumami celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A Run for Unity was organised on October 31 starting from the University Health Centre and culminating at the I. Ihoshe Kinimi Hall, NU. Prof. Pardeshi Lal, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University flagged off the run.
Following the Unity Run, the taking of ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge’ was led by Dr. Abemo, Registrar, Nagaland University in English and by Prof. Pardeshi Lal, in Hindi. The Unity Run was attended by teachers, administrative staff and students.
A debate competition on the topic ‘Unity in Diversity is a Myth’ was organised. The programme was chaired by Monalisa Tase, Asst. Professor, Department of Political Science, while Dr. Radharani Maibam, Asst. Professor, Department of Anthropology and Dipika Paul, Asst. Professor, Department of Sociology were the judges.
Following the debate, Prof. Pardeshi Lal, Vice-Chancellor gave a brief speech in which he dwelt on the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Whether in personal life or public life Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was portrayed as strong-willed and dedicated to the cause of the nation.
