1,600 Students Participate in National Unity Day Celebrations

 Hyderabad: Around 1,600 students from various schools and colleges participated in National Unity Day celebrations organised at Rashtrapati Nilayam in Secunderabad on Saturday to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The celebrations were held under the theme Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat to promote national integration, patriotism and unity in diversity. The programme began with a Unity Walk on the theme Unity in Diversity – Walking Together for a United India, followed by a group painting competition.

The event included lamp lighting and floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a photo exhibition on his life and contributions, and a mini-documentary screening on his legacy. Students also presented cultural performances, including a Bharatanatyam group dance by Aranyanatyam, Lothukunta; patriotic group singing by St Andrews High School, Suchitra branch; and a themed group dance by Jubilee Hills Public School.

A pledge-taking ceremony on Rashtriya Ekta was held, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to national unity. Prizes were distributed to winners of the group painting competition.

Former Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya attended the programme as the chief guest. Harpreet Kaur Sohi, Inspector General of the CISF’s National Industrial Security Academy and civil services mentor Bala Latha Mallavarapu were the guests of honour.

Addressing the students, Dattatreya stressed the importance of honesty, discipline, patriotism and character-building. He urged the younger generation to develop a sense of national responsibility and contribute to the country’s progress.

Bala Latha Mallavarapu highlighted Patel’s role in integrating hundreds of princely states into the Indian Union. She encouraged students to rise above regional identities, persevere in pursuing their goals and consider public service as a way to contribute to nation-building.

Harpreet Kaur Sohi recalled the historical significance of Rashtrapati Nilayam and its association with the integration of Hyderabad State into the Indian Union. She said patriotism should be reflected in responsible conduct, respect for others and contributions to society, rather than being limited to symbolic displays.

Dr K. Rajani Priya, manager of Rashtrapati Nilayam, welcomed the gathering and urged students to uphold good character, discipline and responsibility. Referring to Telugu poet Gurajada Apparao’s views on the nation and its people, she said citizens shared a common Indian identity irrespective of caste, religion, language or region.

SCR staff run to mark Unity Day

South Central Railway (SCR) employees participated in a ‘Run for Unity’ and an ‘Integrity Walkathon’ at Necklace Road railway station on Saturday to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, commemorating the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. SCR general manager Sanjay Kumar Srivastava administered the Integrity Pledge and the Ekta Diwas Pledge before flagging off the run and walkathon, in which several railway employees participated.

Addressing the gathering, Srivastava said, “We remember Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose efforts and dedication united the country. Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed every year as a powerful reminder of India’s strength in diversity and the enduring legacy of Sardar Patel’s vision for a united India.” He said Indian Railways had a special connection with the theme of unity, as trains connected people across different regions, languages and cultures. He added that the Railways’ responsibilities went beyond connecting people and included building an organisation founded on integrity.

Cyberabad Police Celebrate National Unity Day on Patel’s 151st Birth Anniversary

On the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s former Home Minister, 'National Unity Day' (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) was celebrated with great enthusiasm under the aegis of the Cyberabad Police. As part of the event, a pledge for national unity was taken. Annapurna, DCP (Administration) of Cyberabad, administered the national unity pledge to the police officers and staff.

Speaking on this occasion, Admin DCP Annapurna lauded the invaluable contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel toward safeguarding the nation's integrity. She noted that Patel played a pivotal role in integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union, thereby laying the foundation for a united and strong India. She urged police officers and personnel to uphold the values of unity, integrity, and service to the nation in the discharge of their duties, and to further strengthen national unity and harmony.

Headquarters DCP Sanjeev, Superintendents Mallikarjun, Yazdani, Hanuma, and Ramadevi, Estate Officer RI Himakar, Admin RI Rama Rao, Welfare RI Nagaraju, along with other senior police officers and staff, participated in this event.