Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed in Allahabad

ALLAHABAD: The birth anniversary of

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel-the Iron Man

of India and the architect of the united India-was celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) at the

North Central Railway

(NCR) headquarter, on Tuesday.

An oath taking ceremony along with march past and run for unity were organised on the occasion. The programme started with lighting of the ceremonial lamp by MC Chauhan, the General Manager, NCR followed by floral tributes to the image of

Sardar Patel

. Thereafter, an oath of national unity was administered to all present by GM.

Speaking on the occasion Chauhan said “a feeling of national unity amongst every citizens of a country is a prerequisite for its development. Sardar Patel singlehandedly achieved the integration of various princely states into India at the time of Independence-an achievement for which he was given the title of ‘Iron Man of India”. Truly, Patel was the architect of modern-united India, he added.

A march past was also presented by personnel of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Members of St John’s Ambulance Brigade, Scouts and Guides organisation and sportspersons of NCR. After the march past, a ‘run for unity’ was organised in ‘railgaon’ colony, Subedarganj. Railway Officers, staff and their family members participated enthusiastically in this ‘run for unity’ carrying placards, and banners with slogans and messages relating to national unity. Later, GM gave away prizes to the winner and first and second runner ups in this run.