GUWAHATI, Oct 31 - The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was observed today as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) throughout the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.
The theme of the event this year was �Integration of India�, said a statement issued by NFR Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) Pranav Jyoti Sharma.
To commemorate the occasion, a pledge was administered to all officers and staff by Chahatey Ram, General Manager of NFR.
A �Run for Unity� was flagged off by ace body builder A Bobby Singh from the NFR headquarters at Maligaon in the morning, which was joined by the General Manager, the Additional General Manager and the principal heads of departments of NFR, sportspersons of NFR Sports Association, scouts and guides and a large number of officers and staff. The run started from the NFR headquarters and culminated at the Kamakhya Railway Station.
Floral tributes were also paid to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Drawing and quiz competitions were organised amongst students of primary and secondary levels in various schools in Pandu and Maligaon areas, where a large number of students participate. Winners were given prizes after the competitions.
Sharma said that the observance of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas provides an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of the country.
�Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was not only the First Deputy Prime Minister of our country, he was also a great freedom fighter, a symbol of good governance, national unity and integrity. He is also known as the Iron Man of India who worked hard to make India a united India (Ek Bharat). He also exhorted the people of India to unite together in order to create shresth Bharat (foremost India),� said the statement.
Similar programmes were also held in all divisions of NFR where the divisional railway manager of the division concerned administered the pledge to officers and staff and led the �run for unity�.
Northeast Frontier Railway Construction Organisation also observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Officers and staff of NFR (Construction) were administered the pledge by Harjeet Kumar Jaggi, General Manager of NFR (Construction) at Maligaon.
