Government to observe Sardar Patel birth anniversary in big way

The central government has decided to observe the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day) Oct 31 every year to pay tributes to the efforts made by Patel to unite India, union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday.

According to a union home ministry statement, a function to pay floral tribute to Sardar Patel will be held at Patel Chowk, Parliament Street, in the national capital New Delhi at 8 a.m. that day.

The government will hold three other programmes to mark the occasion, including a 'Run for Unity' in all major cities, district towns and other places in rural areas, particularly youth from colleges, National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS). In the National capital, 'Run for Unity' will be organised from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath at 8.30 a.m., the statement said.

The second programme will be a pledge taking ceremony organised in all government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions to observe the day, Rajnath Singh said. The pledge timings will be decided by the concerned organisation.

A third event will be held in the evening - 'March Past' by police, the central armed police forces and other organisations like the NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Home Guards, etc on the streets of major cities and district towns. The personnel will also take a pledge. The march past will be at 4 p.m.

This occasion will provide an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country, Rajnath Singh said and appealed to the people to participate in the programmes in large numbers.