Delhi schools, colleges, varsities to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Schools and universities in the national capital will Friday organise several cultural events to celebrate the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The government had announced that Oct 31 will be celebrated as the Rashtiya Ekta Diwas, where the Prime Minister will flag off the "Run for Unity" and also administer pledge of "unification and internal security".

All the universities were sent notification by the ministry of human resource development (MHRD) suggesting several events that could be organised to mark the day.

A copy of the solemn pledge has also been sent with the notification.

The events suggested by MHRD included the run for unity, debate competitions, exhibitions, panel discussions, march past by NCC cadets, screening of a film on Patel to popularise his works.

At Delhi University (DU), programmes are being held at the north campus and in all the affiliated colleges which have been asked to "submit a brief report of the same along with the photographs latest by Nov 3".

In the north campus and all the colleges the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge will be administered at 10.15 a.m.

DU has scheduled "cultural dances by northeast and international students, debate competition, screening of films on Patel, inauguration of exhibition, parade, and run for unity," said a notification by the varsity.

Vijay K. Sharma, principal of Ram Lal Anand College told IANS: "We have sent email notification to all our staff. Though he have not made it compulsory but have organised interesting events to ensure maximum participation."

Similarly Jamia Milla Islamia have organised events both at their school and the university.

In schools, poster competition on unity, integrity and security have been scheduled, while at the university level, essay competition and plays are being screened along with oath administering and run for unity.

"The teachers and students would take this pledge in the spirit of unification of their country that was made possible by vision and action of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel," Jamia said in a statement.

In Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), a "run for unity" and a book display and exhibition of the works of Patel has been planned.

The schools were also sent notification by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Directorate of Education giving instructions about the event.

Apart from the separate events at schools, CBSE has also selected about 350 centres which will be separately involved in spreading the message by inviting students from their neighbourhood schools.

At every centre, the activities will focus on collectively making posters, jingles, paintings, collage, team debates on topics around "unity and integrity" and "safety and security".

"We...have organised three rounds of talks on the topic unification of India. Along with it, a march past will also be held where all students will participate band then take a pledge in both Hindi and English," Vinita Roy, a teacher at The Indian School in south Delhi.

The event will conclude with singing of the national anthem.