Sikkim celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas; Governor, CM pay tribute to Vallabhbhai Patel

GANGTOK, (IPR): Sikkim joined the rest of the nation in commemorating Rashtriya Ekta Diwas today.

The State-level programme held at Paljor Stadium was attended by Governor of Sikkim Lakshman Prasad Acharya as the chief guest and Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang as the guest of honour. Also present were Chief Minister’s spouse Krishna Rai, SLA deputy speaker, Cabinet ministers, MLAs, Lok Sabha MP, other dignitaries and officers of State government departments within the Gangtok Municipal Corporation.

Each year, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is commemorated throughout the country on October 31, to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home minister of independent India. The nationwide event serves as a significant occasion to emphasize our commitment to safeguard and enhance the unity, integrity, and security of our nation. Also known as National Unity Day, it offers an opportunity to reaffirm the country's inherent strength and resilience.

The programmme began with the guard of honour and parade by Central and State Police forces, NCC and Sikkim Police Band.

To mark the occasion, Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya administered Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to the attendees. This was followed by the lighting of butter lamps and floral tribute to the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The Governor began his address by paying homage to all the people who lost their lives in the devastating flash floods which occurred on October 4. He acknowledged the resilience of the people of Sikkim and the unity with which everyone stood together during the crisis and helped those in distress.

The Governor paid his tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and spoke about his vital role in unifying the nation and laying the foundation of a strong and united India. He said that the legacy of the great leader has lived on in the hearts of the people. He also emphasized the teachings of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and encouraged the youth to embrace these lessons on unity and carry them forward. He urged everyone to come together and strengthen the unity of the State and to work collectively for its progress.  He further said that national campaigns like Meri Maati Mera Desh initiated by the Central government have gone a long way in promoting unity and solidarity among the people of the country. 

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, in his address, paid his rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recalled his pivotal role in the unification of the nation. He called for the need to recognize that the strength of the nation lies in its diversity.

He invoked the memory of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's sacrifices and encouraged everyone to draw inspiration from his remarkable legacy.

Speaking about the recent calamity that struck Sikkim, the Chief Minister lauded the remarkable spirit with which the people came forward and helped each other in the time of crisis. He emphasized the importance of unity, citing the cooperation displayed during the disaster.

Further, he expressed his gratitude to all the organizations and individuals who stepped forward to assist during the disaster and contributed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. He stressed the need for continued unity in the collective efforts to rebuild Sikkim.

The Chief Minister also shed light on several unity-promoting initiatives by both the Central and the State government, urging everyone to actively engage and promote such endeavours.

Earlier, chief secretary VB Pathak, in his welcome address, emphasized the enduring efforts of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel during the freedom struggle, his role in the unification and consolidation of the nation, and subsequently the establishment and promotion of the civil services.

During his address, the chief secretary initiated a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the people who lost their lives in the recent disaster.

He praised the unity demonstrated by the people of Sikkim during the disaster and highlighted the actions taken by the State government to provide relief to the disaster victims and steps being taken for short term and long-term restoration of assets and infrastructure. He expressed gratitude towards all those who participated in the rescue operation and outlined the state government's initiatives to restore normalcy in the State.

The event witnessed cultural programmes by artists of the Culture department and various organizations, and the band display by the Sikkim Police Band and school bands.

During the programme, various organisations and individuals came forward to generously donate to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, to support the government in its effort towards rebuilding the State.