Winners of the nini-marathon race which was organised to mark the National unity Day in Noklak on October 31. (DIPR Photo)

Dimapur, November 1 (MExN): To mark the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), a mini marathon race was organized by Police Department at Noklak on October 31.
Speaking on the occasion, Superintendent of Police (SP), Noklak, Dr Pritpal Kaur said National Unity Day is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who played a major role in the integration of India. To acknowledge the efforts in uniting the nation, we celebrate National Unity Day on his birth anniversary; a DIPR report quoted the SP.
Dr Pritpal Kaur advised the students and youths to set aim in life, work hard to achieve it and also encouraged them to contribute to the society in whatever possible ways. She congratulated all the winners and participants of the mini marathon race and gave away the cash prize and certificates to the winners and participants.
The mini marathon race started at Government Middle School junction (Penshe Sector) to GHSS Noklak (High School B Sector) where the prize distribution ceremony was held. Participants in the Unity run/Mini Marathon race comprised of students, teachers, Red Cross Society, medical department, Khiamniungan Baptist Churches Association, Police department, district administration and well-wishers, the report stated.
In boys’ category, Puto, Sangtsoi and Ngon bagged first, second and third position respectively and Monglon S and Mutchiu S won the consolation prize. Under girls’ category, Tsuchoi T, Songmo P and Niansai emerged first, second and third respectively while Thongkoi T and Tongzen H got the consolation prize.
SDO (C) Noklak, C Phuniang administrated the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge on the occasion and the programme was chaired by Additional Superintendent of Police, Noklak, Ngou Khiam.
Institutions observe virtual celebration
The IQAC, Unity College celebrated National Unity Day on October 31 through an online programme with teaching faculty, non-teaching staff and students in attendance.
It was chaired by Vandana Ladha, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce who delivered the welcome note.
According to a press release from the College, Dr Lichumo Enie, Principal delivered a short speech where he paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai, India’s first home minister. He further mentioned the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who led the task of integrating princely states into union of India after Independence in 1947, and his contribution in building a modern and unified India.
He further reminded the participants to take a pledge to give the first priority to national unity and integration which is the bond and togetherness between people regardless of their caste, creed, religion or gender.
A short speech on National Diversity was delivered by Kewithunbo Nchang, Magazine and Information Secretary, UCSU ( BA 3rd Semester D). Jyoti Dimasa, MCom 3rd Semester recited a poem on National Integration.
The programme concluded with a pledge led by Dr Adani Ngullie, Coordinator, IQAC, Unity College.
Meanwhile, in a separate release, the DMI St Joseph Global School stated that as per the directive of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was observed online as ‘Rasthriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on October 31.
The school informed of the various online activities organized on the occasion from 2:00 pm to 3:00 pm for students from class V-X.
For class V-VI, an online pledge was taken while an essay writing on the theme ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ was organized for classes VII-VIII and for class IX-X, poster making on the theme was conducted.
Pali K Aomi coordinated the entire online programme, the release added.
On October 31, Tetso College also joined the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebrations with Brig. (Dr) Jeewan Rajpurohit as guest speaker.
In his brief address, Brig. (Dr) Jeewan Rajpurohit,; PhD, AMT stated that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played a prominent role in the country’s struggle for Independence and guided its integration into a united and independent India, a report from the College stated.
He also called upon the virtual gathering to renew oaths to uphold the integrity and security of the nation. While recalling the rich common cultural heritage and shared values that all the Indians have inherited he encouraged young generation to be dreamers, thinkers and doers.
While delivering a message of unity and oneness Brig. (Dr) Rajpurohit also shared his personal experiences with Northeast and Nagaland.
Dr Aniruddha Babar extended hearty welcome to the guest speaker, other dignitaries and all the participants. He spoke about ‘spirit of ‘unity’ and ‘oneness’. He also gave insight into the official statement for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas issued by Home Ministry of India which cites that the National Unity Day "will provide an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.”
Dr Aniruddha concluded his welcome speech by reciting a traditional Sangtam poem in that speaks about ‘Unity of the People’ and ‘Progress’ which he dedicated to the daily struggles, dreams, aspirations and bright future of people of Nagaland.
Speaking on the topic ‘Why national unity day,’ HoD of Political Science Dr Rimmei Longmei, Tetso College, explored the questions surrounding the meaning of National Unity and the Process of National Integration launched by the Government of India soon after independence. Dr Longmei made the audience understand the importance of the challenges of nation-building in India and the Process of ‘National Unity and Integration’.
He urged all to unite and extend an unconditional support, absolute to the process of national unity and integration and to “dedicate ourselves to preserve the unity, integrity and security of this great nation.”
The event was also marked by essays presentation by the winners of the Short Patriotic Essays Writing Competition organized under the aegis of Dr Rimmei Longmei on National Unity Day. Kezhavikho Lhoushe (1st), Mosa S.Sangtam (2nd), and Abeni Yanthan (3rd) gave presentations on their patriotic essays. Keneisedeu Mezhu and Keren Kent bagged consolation prizes.
Commemoration of National Unity Day ended with the ‘Unity Pledge’ and words of thanks from Yaoreiphy Awungshi, Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, Tetso College.