SHILLONG/TURA, Oct 31: Recalling the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of the country on his birth anniversary and his pioneering role in uniting the princely states with the Union of India after the partition, Meghalaya left no stone unturned in celebrating the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day as it organised a slew of programmes and paid rich tributes to the Iron Man of India.
A unity run, otherwise called ‘Run for Unity’, was organised at the North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU). The ‘Run for Unity’ was flagged off by the Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Mawkynroh, L Nongkhlaw, Vice-Chancellor of NEHU, Prabha Shankar Shukla, Headman R Nauklang, and State Director, Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Meghalaya, Atul Nikam.
Around 200 youths including volunteers from NYKS, NSS, local youth and employees of the Department of Post participated in the run. Medals and mementoes were distributed among winners after the culmination of the unity run.
Rangbah Shnong of Mawlai Mawkynroh L Nongkhlaw, in his address, elaborated the purpose of celebrating the National Unity Day, which is to instil the feeling of unity among the youths.
Nongkhlaw suggested that NEHU, an educational hub, should work towards building a congenial atmosphere in the society, wherein peace and harmony play important roles. NEHU and the Dorbar Shnong of Mawlai Mawkynroh should work together in building a peaceful society, he added.
Speaking on the day, NEHU VC Prabha Shankar Shukla said that it was indeed a proud moment for the University to host the Rangbah Shnong and the community members of Mawlai Mawkynroh. He also encouraged the students of the University to work towards building a peaceful environment.
Unity runs are being organised across the country to pledge and follow in the footsteps of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the VC said. He also congratulated all the winners and participants of the run.
Later in the day, Central Bureau of Communication, Regional Office, Shillong, organised an Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme in Shillong.
Chief guest of the programme, RK Lyngdoh, Headman of Rngijynriew Rum, Nongthymmai, and also the Deacon of All Saints Cathedral Shillong, in his speech, recalled the iron man of India as the man who laid the foundations of a modern India after Independence and devoted his life in realising its vision. “There is unity in diversity in our country and this is the biggest strength of our country. All this has been possible only due to the efforts of Sardar Patel,” he said.
The guest of honour, Wadlihok Nongrum, Headman of Cleve Colony, stressed on the importance of unity, humility, respect for each other, and peace.
In his address, Regional Regional Director, CBC, Shillong, Dr Engam Pame, said Monday’s programme has a special significance as the country is also celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. He further added, “As we celebrate the National Unity Day to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhai Patel we should also give every effort to stay united as a responsible citizen.”
Present on the occasion were students, teachers of Dinet Manik Syiem Memorial Hr. Sec. School, Nongthymmai, and invitees.
The unity pledge taking ceremony was administered by Regional Director, CBC, Shillong, Dr Engam Pame.
5K Run
Celebrating National Unity Day, around 200 runners including around 80 female athletes participated in the “5K Run for Unity” organised by the office of the District Sports Officer, East Khasi Hills.
The run was flagged off at 6 am on Monday by District Sports Officer, East Khasi Hills, O Mawthoh.
The starting point of the run was JN Stadium Main Gate, Polo, Shillong, which then covered S.R.G.T Main Gate, Golf Club, Lad Shyiap, MPPS, Lad Sanker, Mawroh Junction, F.C.I Junction, F.C.I, MeECL, Shillong Secondary School, C.R.P.F Main Gate, S.R.G.T Main Gate, and culminated at the starting point.
Cash prizes worth Rs 2,000, Rs 1,500, and Rs 500 were awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place runners under the open category. Consolation cash prize of Rs 500 was also provided to runners who bagged 4th-8th places.
Cash prize of Rs 500 was also awarded to top 5 finishers who were over 50 years of age.
BSF spreads message of unity
Celebrating the day with zest and enthusiasm at all of its headquarters, Border Security Force (BSF) Meghalaya disseminated the message of national unity and integration among the public.
The BSF carried out motorcycle rallies, cycle rallies, Run for Unity, March Past, Pledge ceremony and more initiatives to spread the message.
The BSF Meghalaya on Monday initiated a week-long ‘Vigilance Awareness Week at Umpling campus till November 6 with the theme ‘Corruption Free India for a Developed Nation’.
The observance of the week commenced with the vigilance pledge taken by IG BSF Meghalaya Inderjit Singh Rana. While administering the pledge, he said that the objective of this week is to reaffirm the commitment to fight against unethical practices, violation of procedures and corruption at our work places.
All the staff of BSF Meghalaya took the pledge
Unity run galore
In Ampati, the district administration of South West Garo Hills in collaboration with District Sports Office organised ‘Run for Unity’ marathon at Students’ field, Ampati on Monday.
The 5-km marathon was flagged off by the additional deputy commissioner of South West Garo Hills, AVD Shira, in the presence of Additional Superintendent of Police, TB Sangma.
Shira later led pledge taking ceremony at DRDA Conference Hall, Ampati, in the presence of Superintendent of Police, Steve Rynjah.
The head of various departments, staff of Deputy Commissioner’s office and police personnel participated in a pledge taking ceremony.
Completing the run in 23:21.65 minutes, Witnar A Sangma from Tebrongre village, finished 1st among the male runners. The boys of Bongpara village — Kanen M Sangma and Saljagring K Marak — finished second and third respectively.
Among the girls, Tulsi G Momin of Baghmara village, finished first by completing the run in 31:15.00 minutes, while Rikmatchi G Momin of Asingre village and Kreshme B Sangma of Ampati finished second and third respectively.
An 8-km-long Unity Run was conducted in Mairang, Eastern West Khasi Hills, as part of the celebration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
As many as 57 runners from across the district participated in the run, which was flagged off by Additional Deputy Commissioner AL Nongbri from the DC’s office premises in Mairang.
Shainingstar Marwein, Rahjopkordor Lyngdoh and Mebansainborlang Pathaw bagged the first, second and third places respectively in the men’s category, while Ibashongkun Kurbah, Laaihun Hoojon and Nerisa Nongrum bagged the first, second and third place in the women’s category of the run.
The Unity Run was also organised in Nongstoin, West Khasi Hills, in which 52 runners participated with enthusiasm. Extra Assistant Commissioner, West Khasi Hills, PTD Sangma, flagged off the run.
In the men’s category, the first place was taken by Nicky Son Nongkseh, second place by Raplang Snaitang and third place by Banjoplang Wanniang. Among the women, Pynhunlang Puwein, Jidalin Tympuin and Daplin Tympuin took the first, second and third place respectively.
Meanwhile, various NSS units of different colleges/institutions under National Service Scheme Cell, NEHU, conducted Run for Unity and pledge taking ceremony across the state. Around 2,000 volunteers participated in the programmes.
State NSS Cell, Meghalaya, in collaboration with NSS Cell, NEHU, conducted a ‘Mass Swachhta Drive’ in conclusion of the month-long Clean India Campaign 2.0 on Monday.
A total of 250 NSS volunteers from William Carey University, Shillong Polytechnic, St. Mary’s College, Shillong Law College, Shillong Commerce College, Shillong College, Nabon Women’s Synod College, Seng Khasi College, St. Anthony’s College, NSS unit, NEHU, Shillong and staff from Shillong Municipal Board participated in this programme.
The programme started with cleaning of the Polo Parking Lot and adjoining areas such as Lawmali, Polo Market, 4th Furlong, Forest Colony, Shyiap, Jail Road and Shillong Golf Club.
A total of 1,200 kg of plastic waste was collected and safely disposed by the Shillong Municipal Board.
Participants from the Shillong Commerce College marched toward Polo Point via Raj Bhavan and returned to the college through KL Bajoria Higher Secondary School. A total of 64 students participated in the run.
