Team Herald
PANJIM: “Run for Unity” was organised at various places across the State to observe ‘National Unity Day’ coinciding with the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on Thursday.
Events were organised at Canacona, Curchorem and Fatorda to observe the day.
At Canacona, police organised a ‘Run for Unity’ event at Chaudi, wherein hundreds of locals including police personnel, students and general public took part in the run to spread the message of unity.
The run was flagged off by Canacona MLA and deputy speaker Isidore Fernandes.
Police Inspector Tukaram Chavan said, “October 31 is celebrated as the birth anniversary of Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and as a part of celebrations run for unity is being organised.”
Before the start of the rally, a National Unity Day was administered to those present by the PI of Canacona police Tukaram Chavan.
Flagging off the run, Fernandes said, “On this day, we spread the message of National security, unity, brotherhood among people and to make the new generation aware about the Indian culture which is the main aim to celebrate the day.”
The rally started from Canacona police station and ended at KTC bus stand.
At Curchorem, MLA and Power Minister Nilesh Cabral paid tribute to Patel by garlanding his portrait at Curchorem police station.
Later, he participated in the ‘Run for Unity’ event organised by Curchorem police which started and culminated at Curchorem police station after wending its way through Shivaji and Ambedkar circles via Fires Services station and railway station.
On the occasion, Cabral urged the people to be united for the progress and development of the country by remembering the efforts put in by former home minister Patel who worked tirelessly to create an independent and united India.
Later, he distributed certificates to the participants including students and police staff who were participated in the event in the presence of Police Inspection Ravindra Dessai.
At Fatorda, the programme was organised by Fatorda police. It was flagged off by Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai from the police station at 6.45 am. The rally passed through Arlem junction, Fatorda stadium junction, Sharda Classic, Ocean Spa, PWD office back to Fatorda police station.
At Porvorim, the government Secretariat observed National Unity Day. Chief Secretary Parimal Rai, IAS, administered the pledge of National Unity to government officials and staff of the Secretariat. Principal Secretary, Power, Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS, was present. On the occasion, Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas was also observed to mark the death anniversary of the late Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.
Meanwhile, Konkan Railway observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to commemorate the 144th birth anniversary of Patel.
Sanjay Gupta, Chairman and Managing Director of KRCL administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge and flagged off the Run for Unity. Various activities like Prabhat Pheri, quiz and essay competitions were also organised in which directors, executives and staff actively participated. Similar programmes were also organised in Ratnagiri and Karwar Region of Konkan Railway.
