National Unity Day widely observed
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, October 31 2014 : As in other parts of the country, the National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Divas) in commemoration of birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of India was observed by the State Government at 1st Manipur Rifles Ground.

Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Chief Minister O Ibobi appealed to all concerned to shun sense of alienation instead join hands in bringing in unity and growth in the State which are the needs of the hour.

The CM acknowledged that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is regarded as the most successful Home Minister of the country so far and recalled that the late leader who is also referred as Iron Man of India had played a vital role in annexation of more than 500 provinces after the country gained independence from the hands of British.

The great leader was also instrumental in framing Constitution of India along with Dr BR Ambedkar whom he appointed as the Chairman of the Drafting Committee.

Rastriya Ekta Diwas

He was honored with Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award of the country in 1991 in recognition of his valuable contributions towards the country, Ibobi narrated.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who graced the occasion as president asserted that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was one of the dedicated leaders of the country who had played a paramount role in fetching independence from the mighty British colonial rule.

The Dy CM called upon the people to follow footsteps of great leaders like Vallabhbhai Patel who had done so much for welfare of the country.

Prior to the commencement of the observance function, CM Ibobi inspected parade taken out by male civil police contingent 1, 2 of Manipur Rifles and female contingents of 9th IRB with Ningsem Bashum, Commandant of 8th IRB as the Parade Commander.

Several Ministers; MLAs and high ranking officials of civil and police were also present at the observance function.

The National Unity Day was also observed by National Institute of Technology (NIT) Manipur at its premises.

As part of the observance function, a rally under the banner 'Run for Unity' was flagged-off from the temporary campus of the institute located at Takyelpat.

The rally taken part by students of the institute ended at the institute's permanent campus at Langol where Registrar of NIT Manipur, RK Lalita led in taking oath of National Unity Day.

Dr Y Mohen, Assistant Dean (Planning) of NIT Manipur; Dr Kh Manglem, Dean (Academy); Dr P Alvino, Assistant Dean and Dr Th David, Assistant Dean (Students' Welfare) were seated on dais at the occasion.

Zonal Education Office, Imphal West Zone I also observed the National Unity Day at the complex of ZEO at Khoyathong Pukhri Achouba, Imphal West with H Deleep, Secretary Education (S); N Prabin, Director of Education (S) and Ranjan Yumnam, Additional Director of Education (S) gracing the function as chief guest, president and guest of honor respectively.

Conducting a march past competition participated by students from 14 schools was the main highlight of the observance function.