Nagaland observes National Unity Day

As part of the observance of 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas', 'Run for Unity' race was held at Kiphire district on October 31. (DIPR Photo)

Kohima, October 31 (MExN): Nagaland, along with the rest of the country, observed ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on October 31 commemorating the Birth Anniversary of Sadar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of the country after India’s Independence.

In this regard, a function was held at the Civil Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Principal Secretary Home, Abhijit Sinha, IAS. In his introduction speech the Principal Secretary said that Patel was regarded as one of the tallest personalities in the country and also the first architect of modern India.

As per DIPR report, Sinha said that Patel played a crucial role in pre-Independence as well as post-Independence India, and was closely associated with freedom of the country.

His diplomacy and noble deeds in uniting and integrating various princely states under Indian dominion was notably great and his uncompromising approach to national integration earned him the sobriquet ‘Iron Man of India,’ Sinha added. The Unity Day Pledge was also administered by the chairman of the programme.

Nagaland Police: Nagaland Police observed National Unity Day at Conference Hall PHQ with DGP Nagaland as the Chief Host. As per a press release from PHQ Nagaland, Kohima; in his brief address, TJ Longkumer IPS, Director General of Police, stated that Patel played a prominent role in the country's struggle for Independence and guided its integration into a united and independent India. Often referred to as 'Iron Man' of India, he is best remembered as the man who united India. For the first time a ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Parade’ was organized at the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadiya, Gujarat, where a contingent of 12 NAP (IR) Bn participated in the parade. DGP also called upon the gathering “to renew our oaths, to uphold the integrity and security of the Nation,” and also led in administering the ‘Pledge of Unity’ to all the participants. 

To mark the occasion, special events under the theme ‘Run for Unity’ were also organized simultaneously in the DEF Units and Battalions of Nagaland Police to commemorate the day.

Department of Youth Resources & Sports: Through the directive of Government of Nagaland, the Department of Youth Resources and Sports observed the day under the theme 'Run for Unity.’

The run for unity was flagged off by Principal Secretary, Home, Abhijit Sinha in the presence of DC Kohima, Secretary YRS, Director YRS, officers and coaches. Hundreds of students from NSS and IG Sports Academy took part in the Run. The event was flagged off at 6:00 am from PHQ junction and culminated at Kohima Local ground. Director YRS, Akumla Chuba expressed appreciation to the officers and coaches as well as the participants from the Academy and various colleges for their active participation.

Kiphire: ‘Run for Unity’ race was held at Kiphire district, organized by the SP office Kiphire. Students from various schools participated. In the running race, the first position was bagged by Pisali from Trinity High School, second and third positions were secured by Likhumba of Government High School Kiphire and Lumkhaba of Elbeth High school respectively.

Mokokchung: DEF Mokokchung Police in collaboration with 44 Assam Rifles Mokokchung organized a ‘Marathon Race’ from Main Police Point to Tongdentsyong ward, QMHSS to Local Ground via Main Police Point in Commemoration of National Unity Day. In the marathon race, personnel from DEF Mokokchung, RUN MKG and from other different NGOs of Mokokchung town and around 70 personnel from 44 Assam Rifles, 164 Battalion Territorial Army participated.

Mon: Along with the rest of the country, a pledge taking ceremony on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day was observed at District Public Relations Office Mon. The pledge was administered by Information Assistant, Mon headquarters KK Chim.