Government wants enthusiastic participation in 'National Unity Day' on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary

As it prepares to observe Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary on October 31 as 'National Unity Day', the government on Sunday appealed to people to take part "enthusiastically" in events to reaffirm India's strength to face any threat to its integrity and security.

"The birth anniversary of Sardar Patel will provide all of us with 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," Home Minister Rajnath Singh said in a statement.

He appealed to the people to participate enthusiastically in the programmes to pay rich tributes to the "real national hero" who was the first Home Minister of the country. On Friday, the government had announced that it will every year celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day).

A function to pay floral tributes to Patel will be held on Parliament Street here besides three other programmes. A 'Run for Unity' will be held in all major cities, district towns and rural areas for all sections of society, particularly youths and those from National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), etc.

In the national capital, the run is being organised from Vijay Chowk to India Gate on Rajpath. The run would be followed by a pledge-taking ceremony which will be organised in all the government offices, public sector undertakings and other public institutions. The pledge timings will be decided by the organisation concerned.

Later, in the evening, a 'March Past' by Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other organisations like NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides, Home Guards, etc. would be held on the streets of major cities and district towns.