The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan), Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, celebrated the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — observed as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) — through a series of “Run for Unity” events, pledge ceremonies, and cultural programmes across its institutions. The celebrations reflected the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, as thousands of Divyangjan, students, faculty, and officials participated to honour the Iron Man of India.

At the DEPwD headquarters in New Delhi, Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal and senior officers paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel. Shri Aggarwal recalled Patel’s visionary leadership and administered the National Unity Pledge, reaffirming the commitment to uphold unity and integrity.

Across the country, DEPwD institutions organized energetic “Run for Unity” events. PDUNIPPD, New Delhi, held a run from Rajghat to Red Fort with over 300 participants. ISLRTC observed the day with a unity pledge and tribute ceremony. At SVNIRTAR, Olatpur, more than 700 participants, including persons with disabilities and caregivers, joined the run, while NIEPID, Secunderabad, celebrated with children, parents, and staff through unity runs, poster-making, and slogan-writing. CRC Nellore observed the theme “Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat” through a unity run and orientation session.

 

Regional CRCs also took part with great enthusiasm. CRC Ranchi, Balangir, Gorakhpur, Davanagere, Tripura, Sundernagar, and Chhatarpur organized unity runs, rallies, art activities, and pledge ceremonies. In Balangir, Shri S.N. Mallik, Additional Superintendent of Police, motivated participants to uphold Sardar Patel’s ideals. CRC Gorakhpur, in collaboration with IMA and DDRC, organized a unity run to the Sardar Patel Statue, while CRC Davanagere witnessed over 250 participants waving the national flag and chanting slogans of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

CRC Chhatarpur also marked Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 alongside Unity Day, where Shri Vishnu Prasad Solanki, District Judge and Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, emphasized that integrity and unity are the twin pillars of national strength.

The synchronized celebrations across DEPwD institutions showcased an inspiring spirit of inclusion, patriotism, and togetherness. From the capital to distant regions, the “Run for Unity” became a symbol of inclusive nationalism — a living tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring legacy of unity in diversity.

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KV

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