Pledge to be administers on Patel's birth anniversary

With Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary Oct 31 being observed as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', employees of government offices, Public Service Undertakings, and other institutions will take a pledge to maintain unity and integrity of the country.

The pledge will also be administered in schools and colleges and the human resource development minister has been requested to issue suitable instructions, a statement said Friday.

It said the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (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".

All the ministries and departments of the central, state governments, and union territories have been requested to organise appropriate programmes on the occasion in a befitting manner, including the pledge-taking ceremony, it said.

A 'Run for Unity', involving people from all sections of the society, march-past in the evening by police, the Central Armed Police Forces and other organisations like National Cadet Corps, National Service Scheme, Scouts and Guides, and Home Guards will also be held.