ITANAGAR, Oct 31: To commemorate the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was celebrated across the state.
Governor Dr B D Mishra participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebration at the National Institute of Technology, Yupia Campus and led the ‘National Unity walk’ on Tuesday.
Students of NIT and also citizens of Yupia joined the walk from NIT Campus to DC Office, Yupia.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor called upon the people to emulate and follow the path of national integration as conceived and promoted by Sardar Patel. He said that it was due to the national spirit, vision, political acumen and iron will of Sardar Patel that 565 Princely States were integrated into the Indian Union after the Independence in 1947 and today India is one and united.
Recalling the political developments at the time of independence, the Governor said that for political unity of the nation, Sardar Patel made personal sacrifices. Despite being the most popular and senior leader of the Congress Party, he accepted number two position, after the independence, in the Government, in national interest and for the unity of his party.
While recalling the events leading to the accession of Princely States of Junagarh, Hydrabad and Kashmir to India, the Governor said that Sardar Patel never wanted the Kashmir issue to be taken to the United Nations.
In the interactive session, the Governor advised students to put in their best as a responsible citizen in whatever career they are pursuing. He exhorted them to promote peace, harmony, unity and integrity in the society. The Governor also motivated the students to join the Indian Armed Forces.
At Changlang, the Changlang district administration organized the “Run for Unity” from the general ground, which culminated at Multipurpose Community Hall to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. Government officers, teachers, students, police, Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel, public leaders and general public took part.
Deputy Commissioner Wayong Khimhun paid tribute to the portrait of Sardar Patel and administered unity pledge. The DC also gave away prizes to winners of drawing competition on the National Unity Day.
At Pasighat, Deputy Commissioner Tamiyo Tatak flagged off the run for unity, which was participated by hundreds of students and public.
DC Tatak also highlighted the efforts of Sardar Patel in keeping India united. He also administered the unity pledge to the gathering.
Faculty members of J N College also highlighted the contributions of Patel towards nation building.
In the men’s category, Maglek Mekir, Sunday Rio and Arun Taggu secured 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions respectively in the marathon, while Menuka D Karki, Asha Tamang and Gitani Tamut bagged 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in women’s category.
S P Pranav Tayal also organized a 10 KM long Run from five-mile area to Gandhi Chowk, which was participated by CRPF, IRBn, police personnel, students and public.
At Anini, celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas started with the ‘Run for Unity’ from General Ground Anini and culminated at Circuit House. Government staffs, public leaders and school children took part in it. It was followed by mass pledge of National Unity.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Tamune Miso remembered the contributions of Sardar Vallabhai Patel for nation building. He appealed to each one to follow the path shown by Patelji and avoid all ‘ism’ like castism, regionalism, etc for greater interest of the country. In the afternoon, a March Past of school students of JNV and GHSS Anini was organised at General Ground.
At Namsai district headquarter, Deputy Commissioner, R K Sharma flagged off the marathon race – “Run for Unity”– at Arunachal University of Studies campus which culminated at Namsai Town Club. Large number of students from university, colleges and schools of Namsai district, CRPF personnel, government officials and public took part in the marathon race. Sharma also spoke on the life and times of Sardar Patel.
ADC B Talukdar also appealed to the gathering to shoulder the responsibility to fulfil the dream and vision of Sardar Patel.
At Pangin, a pledge taking ceremony cum all faith prayer meeting was organized at the DC’s office to mark the celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. All government officers and officials took part in the celebration and pledged to contribute towards national integration and internal security of the nation.”
In Upper Subansiri, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was celebrated across the district with various activities, especially with a ‘ Run for Unity’ for both men and women.
At Dumporijo, ADC Otem Jamoh flagged off the eight kilometre mini marathon from the general field.
The ADC highlighted the contributions made by Sardar Patel for national integration and administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge.
In women’s category, Binnu Nirin bagged the 1st position, while Karpi Byaching and Loli Reri Mengia Dasi bagged second and third positions. In the men’s category Hiru Rilo, Jenam Darba and Tate Diri bagged the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions.
At Bomdila, the day was celebrated at Buddha Peace Park, where Deputy Commissioner, Sonal Swaroop credited Sardar Patel, the Iron man of India, for integrating 565 princely states into the Indian union after independence and for making the country unified.
In the morning, the celebration began with ‘Run for Unity’ from Pedung helipad to Buddha Peace Park covering a distance of five kilometers. Trophies, certificates and cash award were given to the three winners from both male and female category.
At Yupia, the day was celebrated at DC Office Yupia with SDO Tabang Bodung administering the pledge of unity to the officers and officials on the occasion.
At Itanagar, DC in-charge Talom Dupak administered the unity pledge to the officers and staff of the DC office on the occasion.
Under the guidance of Papum Pare SP and in-charge Capital Complex, Tumme Ammo, a unity rally was also organized from Itanagar Police Station to IG Park to mark the day.
The police personnel along with Bazar welfare committee members, led by Naharlagun SDPO Make Bui also took out a unity procession from Police Station to D Sector.
Both the SP and SDPO called upon the upon the residents, members of Bazar Welfare Committee and security personnel to stand united for the social security and to promote unity and integrity of state and nation as a whole.
The SP informed that Rashtriya Ekta diwas was also celebrated by police personnel and general public in other parts of the Papum Pare district, including Sagalee, Balijan, Doimukh and Kimin.
At Ziro, the “Run for Unity” was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner, Kemo Lollen from Abotani Hall, Hapoli and participated by officers, students and public.
Speaking on the occasion at Abotani Hall, Hapoli, the DC called for unity amongst all the indigenous people of the state, irrespective of their tribe and religion to achieve the essence of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations.
Hapoli GHSS teacher B N Mishra narrated the life and contributions of Sardar Patel towards the freedom struggle and his role as the first Home Minister of free India
At Roing, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner in-charge, Chestha Yadav flagged off the “Run for unity”, which saw the participation of students and teachers from various schools.
Administering the pledge, the DC in-charge urged the participants to promote unity for overall development of the country.
Earlier, the dignitaries, including government officers, CRPF officials, public leaders and ZPM, Starson Saring paid floral tribute to the portrait of Sardar Patel at Roing General Ground.
At Rajiv Gandhi Govt Polytechnic, Itanagar, essay writing competition on the life of Sardar Vallabbhai Patel was organized among the students to mark the birth anniversary of Patel.
At Tawang, addressing a huge gathering at Parade Ground, Deputy Commissioner, Sang Phuntsok called upon one and all to work towards strengthening the unity, integrity and security of the nation. A pledge was also administered to the people to foster the spirit of unity.
Earlier, a run for unity was organized and prizes were distributed among winners.
March past by state police and students, band display by VKV Kitpi students were other highlights of the celebration.
Similar programmes were also organised at all administrative centres of the district.
At Tirap, ZPC Sontung Bangsia flagged off the mini marathon event from Khonsa Taxi Stand, which was participated by large number of people. Bangsia also administered the “Rastriya Ekta Diwas” pledge to all the participants.
While ZPC distributed prizes to winners of the “Run for Unity” in women’s category, prizes to winners of men’s category was given away by the SP.
CO Asan Kri briefed about the importance of “National Unity Day”.
The “Run for Unity” was also conducted by 36 Bn CRPF at Khonsa for CRPF Jawans.
At Tezu, Deputy Commissioner Karma Leki flagged off “Run for Unity” on Sardar Vallabhai Patel’s birth anniversary at Jubilee Ground. SP Isaac Pertin, Govt officers, general public, students, NGOs, Jawans from armed forces participated in the run. Leki also administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas oath to all the participants. An all religion prayer meeting was also organized to mark the occasion.
Later, the DC gave away certificates to the winners of the marathon race. Total 500 participants ran in the “Run for Unity”. (PRO to Governor/DIPROs)
