From Srinagar to Kulgam, National Unity Day makes its mark across Kashmir

The birth anniversary of the first Home Minister of India Late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was celebrated as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) across Kashmir on Monday.

A pledge-taking ceremony was held at all the district headquarters where the respective District Development Commissioners administered the oath among the district and sectoral officers and took a pledge to dedicate themselves and their services to preserve the unity, integrity, and security of the nation and to strive hard to spread this message among the fellow countrymen.

On the occasion, the DDCs highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in upholding the Unity of the nation. They informed that the leader worked on national integration and devoted his life to the nation.

At Srinagar, a ‘Run for Unity’ was organised by the Department of Youth Services & Sports (YS&S) and Nehru Yuva Kendra (NYK) in Srinagar starting from the Wazir Bagh area to mark the celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

The Run was flagged-off by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad after administering a unity pledge to the participants.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the DC underscored the significance of observing the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. He said the day not only commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, but also re-affirms the inherent strength and resilience of the nation to withstand threats to unity, integrity, and security.

District Youth Services & Sports Officer Balbir Singh, District Coordinator NYK Srinagar, senior Officers and Officials from YS&S Department also attended the event.

At Budgam, On the eve of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), pledge-taking ceremonies were held at all government offices in Budgam.

A pledge-taking ceremony led by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, S F Hamid was also held at Conference Hall Budgam, officers and officials took pledge for unity.

Similar pledge-taking functions were held in other Government offices, educational institutions and all 296 panchayats across the district.

Speaking on the occasion, DC said that the District Administration is committed to following the principles and teachings of Sardar Vallabhai Patel and ensuring a strong and United society.

Various unity runs were also organized in the district wherein youth gave the message of unity and peace.

At Baramulla, a pledge-taking ceremony was held in DC Office Baramulla wherein District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar administered oath among district officers and other participants.

She also highlighted the importance of national oneness and paid rich tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in uniting the country.

Later, the DDC also flagged off the ‘Run for Unity ‘ race from Showkat Ali Stadium in which a large number of students participated. The race was organized by District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with 3 Battalion BSF.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC highlighted the role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in upholding National Unity. She emphasized that there should be a spirit of unification among us to ensure unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

The National Unity Day was also observed across all the Sub-Divisions and Tehsil headquarters of the district with great fervor that witnessed the participation of a large gathering of students and officials.

At Anantnag, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Basharat Qayoom administered the oath/pledge to the district/sectoral officers regarding the observance of National Integrity Day at the DC Office.

The officers pledged that they will strive for upholding national integrity.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that the citizens of India must strive for making the Nation prosperous and work for the welfare of the people.

Speaking about the ongoing B2V4 program, the DC said that directions have been issued to visiting officers to administer the pledges in their allotted Panchayats. He said that the administration and the society must work together towards the welfare of society.

The pledge-taking ceremony was attended by ADDC, ADC, ACR, and employees of the DC Office.

Similar pledge-taking ceremonies were held in all other department offices, health and educational institutions as well as Panchayats of the District.

At Kulgam, a Pledge taking ceremony was held in the lawns of Mini Secretariat Kulgam, where Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat administered oath among officers and all the participants.

The participants also took the pledge in the spirit of unification of the country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Participants also pledged to make their contribution to ensure the internal security of the country.

Pledge-taking ceremonies were also held in other offices, schools, and institutions across the district.

Meanwhile, to observe the Ekta Dewas Department of Youth Services and Sports organized a run for unity which was flagged off by the DC.

Hundreds of school children and employees participated in this run that started from Mini Stadium.