ITANAGAR, Oct 31: Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, which is celebrated as a mark of remembrance of independent India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhai Patel popularly known as the Iron Man of India, was observed today across Arunachal Pradesh along with the rest of the nation with much enthusiasm through various activities that included oath taking for fostering national unity, mini marathons and other programmes. 
Governor (Dr.) B.D. Mishra (Retd.) participated in Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebration commemorating the 144th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel here at Raj Bhavan and administrated National Unity Day pledge to all members of his establishment and on-duty ITBP personnel. He recalled the contributions of Sardar Patel who is credited for achieving political integration of India immediately after independence. Preserving unity, integrity and security, upholding the spirit of unification and contributing to internal security were the essential contents of the pledge. Governor also led the Rashtriya Ekta march, accompanied by First Lady Neelam Misra, officers and officials of Governor Secretariat, staff from various departments attached to Raj Bhavan and Arunachal Pradesh Police & ITBP personnel.
The day was observed at Civil Secretariat with pledge taking to foster unity, integrity and security of the nation by senior officers, officials, staff and other employees which was administered by Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar. Department of Information and Public Relations observed the day through unity pledge which was administered by IPR Director Obang Tayeng to the officers and staff in Directorate premises. Regional Outreach Bureau, Itanagar observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas also through a pledge which was administered by Director Dr. Keshavamurthy with all staff members taking part followed by Unity Run. In his address, the Director elaborately highlighted the significance of the day.
Directorate of Sports celebrated the day by organizing a mini marathon which started from Government Secondary School, Chimpu and went via Chandranagar, Ganga, Jullang and back to GSS. ADC, ICC, Itanagar Talom Dupak flagged off the marathon after a pledge taking ceremony by all participants for maintaining unity, integrity and sovereignty of the country. Capital SP Tumme Amo, HM, GSS, Chimpu Limar Boje, OC Naharlagun Khiksi Yangfo and other officials of the Directorate were present on the occasion. Approximately 400 men & women participated from various districts and schools of the state in the marathon. A short prize distribution ceremony was also arranged where cash awards were distributed to the winners.

Rajiv Gandhi University celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas by organising a "Run for Unity" coordinated by its Department of Physical Education. The 4.5 km run was flagged off from Doimukh Auto Stand by VC Professor Saket Kushwaha and culminated at the university campus. Administration of pledge by Registrar Professor Tomo Riba was also a part of the day’s celebration which was attended by VC, State Director of Nehru Yuva Kendra, Prakash Kumar Manure along with the District Youth Coordinators from Tawang, Bomdila, East Kameng, youth volunteers, Heads of the Departments, faculty members, NSS Programme Officers, students, staff and their family members.
East Siang district observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with enthusiasm in all its administrative centres. At Pasighat, a “Run for Unity” initiated by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kinny Singh was flagged off by local MLA Kaling Moyong with participation by all sections of society from Medical Tri-junction via stadium to Gandhi Chowk and main market area. SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Commandant 5th IRBn Esha Pandey, ADC Tatdo Borang, DSP T Tatak, police and IRBn personnel, representatives of NGOs, CBOs, members of Pasighat Market Association, NSS of JNC and hundreds of students from various schools along with locals took part. Deputy Commissioner also administered the unity pledge.
West Kameng headquarters Bomdila was the centre-point of the day’s celebrations in the district along with programmes in other administrative Sub-Divisions also. To commemorate the day, a mini marathon with the theme ‘Run for Unity’ was flagged off by Deputy Commissioner Sonal Swaroop where people from all walks of life participated enthusiastically. An additional 100-meter race for boys and girls was also conducted for the students of secondary and senior secondary schools. Floral tributes to the portrait of Sardar Patel, Rashtriya Ekta oath administered by DC and mass social service at Buddha Stadium were other highlights of the celebrations.
A mini marathon themed “Run for Unity” was conducted at Yingkiong in Upper Siang District where participants from all walks of life actively participated. It was headed by Deputy Commissioner Taper Pada followed by distribution of awards and certificates to the winners.
A two-km mini marathon having “Run for Unity” theme marked the day’s principal celebration activity in Tirap district which commenced from Khonsa’s Nehru Stadium to Tumjo bridge and back. On behalf of DC, EAC Tagam Mibang, administered  “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” pledge to the participants and later flagged off a “Run for Peace” mini marathon in presence of SP Kardak Riba and HoDs.
In Papum Pare district, Rastriya Ekta Diwas was observed at Rono Ground in Doimukh by the District Administration in a befitting manner. Local MLA 14-Doimukh Tana Hali highlighted the contributions of Sardar Patel for unity of the nation. A pledge was also administered to dedicate oneself to preserve the nation’s unity, integrity and security. “Run for Unity” from Gumto to Rono Ground Doimukh saw enthusiastic participation by NDRF, RGU & GHSS Doimukh students, NGOs and public. Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu, SP Jimmy Chiram, Deputy Commandant NDRF and its personnel, officers and HoDs were the attendees on the occasion. PRO Raj Bhavan, DIPRO, RGU inputs

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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