Sikkim celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

GANGTOK, (IPR): Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was observed today at a function held in Sikkim Armed Police Ground, Pangthang. Governor Ganga Prasad was present on the occasion as the chief guest along with Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

The programme also had the presence of Speaker SLA, Arun Upreti, cabinet ministers, MLAs, political secretary to CM, advisors, chairpersons, Mayor, deputy Mayor, councillors, chief secretary, DGP, ACS, principal secretaries, secretaries, officers from different departments, Police department, Indian Army and students.

The National Unity Day or Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is celebrated every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home minister, and a great freedom fighter who was instrumental in integrating all states to make the Union of India stand out as the largest democratic country in the world. This important event is observed across the country on the 31st of October every year.

The function began with the National Salute and singing of the National anthem.

The Governor inspected the parade and took the guard of honour from the composition of representatives including SAP, 2nd IRBn, 3rd IRBn, Civil Police (Male), Civil Police (Female), ITBP and SSB.

The Governor then administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to the officers and staff assembled at the function.

Likewise, a two-minute silence was observed in memory of those killed in the Morbi suspension bridge tragedy in Gujarat, where at least 130 people lost their lives. The incident took place at 6:30 pm on October 30.

The programme continued with the Governor, the Chief Minister and the dignitaries lighting lamps and garlanding the portrait of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Governor Ganga Prasad extended his best wishes on the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He recalled the historic success achieved by Sardar Patel in uniting different provinces for the integration of India. He also touched upon Patel's sacrificing nature and utmost dedication to the nation.

The Governor also underlined the incredible role of security forces along all borderlines and appealed everyone to acknowledge and honour their praiseworthy contributions. He applauded the vision of the Prime Minister to make India a self-reliant country and encouraged people to move forward towards self-reliance.

In his concluding remarks, the Governor shared an inspiring and visionary poem filled with patriotic zeal and wisdom.

The Chief Minister, in his address, mentioned that the idea behind the celebration of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is to make people aware of the strength of staying together. He added that it provides an opportunity to reaffirm the strength of the nation, upholding the unity, integrity and security of the country.

In his speech, Chief Minister P.S. Tamang recalled the remarkable role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and congratulated everyone on National Unity Day. He articulated the inspiring biography of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his unparalleled contribution to the integration of the Indian Union out of 565 different provinces. He remembered that the State of Sikkim has been celebrating this national festival every year since the Prime Minister declared it in 2014.

He stressed the need to control drug abuse and narcotics trafficking. He mentioned that everyone should collectively work to track the movement of prescription drugs and should strictly monitor the distributors/wholesalers and other prescribing agents. He also stressed the need for a collaborative effort from all levels to make Sikkim free of non-traditional security like drug trafficking and said that the same should be carried out in the neighbouring States. He added that he has advised the concerned controlling authority to deal with such issues very strictly. He also directed the Police department to adhere to the norms and guidelines and ignore favouritism for the complete maintenance of law and order.

Similarly, the Chief Minister expressed deep condolence over yesterday's untoward incident in Gujarat.

Earlier in the programme, chief secretary V.B. Pathak in his introductory speech, briefly introduced the significance and history of National Unity Day, celebrated in the country since 2014. He said that after independence in 1947, there were more than 565 princely states in the country, but Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel integrated these princely states in the country together under the Union of India.

The chief secretary reiterated the famous quote made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the eve of the first Independence Anniversary, "In free India, there is no room for divided loyalties."

The welcome speech was delivered by DGP A. Sudhakar Rao. He spoke elaborately about the impact of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's contribution to the Indian Democracy, which he added has left a strong imprint in Indian society.

Artists from the Culture department presented their songs and dances with patriotic zeal, and students from different schools also shared their performance. Similarly, the Fire & Emergency Service department demonstrated a rescue operation drill during the programme.