SHILLONG: Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan has called for unity among people and integration of the nation on the occasion of National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated to commemorate the 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India” here on Saturday.
Patel, one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India, had visited Shillong in January, 1948 to discuss the issues related to the merger of Khasi states with the Indian Union.
Addressing the gathering before flagging off the National Unity Day run on the occasion, the Governor said that the main purpose of observing the Day was to instill the spirit of oneness and unity amongst the people of India. “India stands for unity in diversity and many a great person have fought for her freedom,” he said. He added that the observance of the Day also aims to create awareness about Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle and subsequently the building of modern India.
It may be mentioned that Sardar Patel was instrumental in merger of princely states in India. Sardar Patel handled effectively the integration of the princely states with his diplomatic skills and foresightedness. The credit for the integration of over 500 independent princely states in 1947-49 by their merger from what was then a divided India to make it what it is today is due solely to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Meanwhile, Shanmuganathan also led the gathering in taking the National Unity Pledge to dedicate oneself in preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation and to strive hard in spreading the message among the fellow countrymen. Participants from all walks of life took part in the Run for Unity and the Governor distributed cash prizes to the winners.
Additional Chief Secretary, K. S. Kropha, Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills, P. S. Dkhar, Superintendent of Police, M. Kharkrang and other Government officials were also present during the inaugural programme.
BSF organizes Unity parade
The National Unity Day was also observed by BSF Meghalaya frontier.
BSF Officers, sub-ordinate officers and other ranks of Frontier Headquarter BSF, Sector Headquarters Mawpat and local units were present during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas parade.
Lecture on Patel held
IGNOU Regional Centre, Shillong commemorated the 140th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel by organising a public lecture on ” Remembering Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel” which was delivered by Prof. M.S.N. Rahman, Department of History, North Eastern Hill University.
