National Unity Day was observed throughout Meghalaya today at special programmes organised for the occasion.
National Unity Day is celebrated on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India who was instrumental in bringing together the many princely states into the Union.
Raj Bhavan led observations of the day today, with a special ceremony. Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar presided as chief guest and paid a floral tribute to the ‘Iron Man of India’ and held the pledge of Unity and Integrity.
In his address, the Governor emphasised the enduring legacy of Patel, whose vision of a united India continues to inspire generations. The Governor also highlighted the significance of National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), stressing the importance of unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.
Reflecting on the central government’s Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative, Vijayashankar underscored its role in fostering unity through cultural and linguistic integration across India’s diverse states and regions. He reaffirmed that the vision of ‘One India, Great India’ is essential to building a strong and self-reliant nation.
The celebrations included cultural performances symbolising national unity and integration, showcasing the vibrant traditions of the different states.
A separate function was held at the Main Secretariat to commemorate the occasion. Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang administered the National Unity Day pledge to civil servants present.
Meanwhile, a ‘Unity Walk’ was organised by the Composite Regional Centre for Skill Development, Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) CRCSRE-Shillong to mark National Unity Day. There were 55 participants in all.
The participants started the unity walk from the office of CRCSRE-Shillong in Dhanketi and walked to Malki Point. The visually disabled beneficiaries, students, teachers and staff of CRCSRE-Shillong actively participated in the unity walk.
Ram Shakal Sahani, Director of CRCSRE-Shillong, congratulated the participants and emphasised the importance of the unity walk, describing it as a resounding success for bringing together individuals from various walks of life to celebrate the spirit of unity.
In East Jaintia Hills, the office of the District Sports Officer held a road race in collaboration with the district administration from the old Deputy Commissioner’s office to Rymbai primary health centre and back.
The event was flagged off by the general secretary of the East Jaintia Hills District Sport Association, Coming One Joy Tlang, in the presence of the DSO, Stephanie M Rapsang, and other officials.
The 8.5km run saw the enthusiastic participation of more than 105 residents, male and female, from the district.
In the male category, Knerlang Phawa claimed first prize, Bismo Sumer secured second while the third prize was bagged by Rishanmehi Ryngkhlem. In the female category, Rosy Sana won first prize followed by Wasaki Phawa and Phyrnai Kyndait, who won second and third respectively.
Cash awards were given to the podium finishers.
NEEPCO Shillong also marked the birth anniversary of Patel with the administration of the unity pledge by Vijay Kumar, CGM(HR). A ‘Run for Unity’ was also organised from Madan Iew Rynghep, in collaboration with Dorbar Dong Lumsohra, Laitumkhrah, in which the pledge to the participants was administered by the acting rangbah dong, Rupert Wankhar.
