Srinagar, October 31,2026- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar, as part of the celebrations marking Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The event brought together participants from different sections of society, including students, youth and officials, to promote national unity, integrity and harmony. The initiative highlighted the importance of collective participation in strengthening the spirit of togetherness and encouraging citizens to work towards a united and progressive India.
Before flagging off the run, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge, reaffirming the collective commitment to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
The programme was organised in remembrance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, whose contribution to the integration of princely states after Independence remains an important part of the country’s history.
Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed across the country to recognise Patel’s role in bringing together hundreds of princely states and laying the foundation for a united India. The annual observance encourages citizens to rise above regional, linguistic and cultural differences and uphold the values of national solidarity.
The Run for Unity served as a platform to spread this message among young people and encourage greater public participation in activities promoting national integration. Students and youth were particularly encouraged to understand the importance of unity, discipline, responsibility and their contribution towards nation-building.
Ahead of the programme, the Lieutenant Governor had reviewed preparations for the National Unity Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir. During a high-level meeting on October 29, he directed district administrations and police authorities to ensure proper arrangements for unity runs, ceremonial parades and the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge.
He also called for the participation of schoolchildren, youth, security personnel and citizens from different sections of society. Special programmes were planned at district headquarters, police stations and prisons across the Union Territory.
The celebrations at SKICC were also linked with the observance of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory Foundation Day. Various government departments and educational institutions were involved in the preparations to ensure coordinated participation and smooth conduct of the programmes.
The administration had assigned responsibilities to several institutions, including the University of Kashmir, SKUAST-K, National Institute of Technology Srinagar, Sports Council, School Education Department and Youth Services and Sports Department.
Arrangements relating to transportation, traffic management, parking, healthcare, refreshments and other essential services were also reviewed ahead of the event. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was assigned responsibility for organising cultural programmes as part of the celebrations.
The Run for Unity also carries a message of healthy living, physical fitness and social responsibility. Such events provide an opportunity for people from different backgrounds to come together beyond their everyday differences and participate in a shared national initiative.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy remains central to the occasion. Popularly known as the Iron Man of India, Patel played a decisive role in integrating princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. His contribution continues to inspire initiatives aimed at protecting the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
The event at SKICC highlighted the importance of carrying forward these values among younger generations. Through the participation of students, officials and members of the public, the Run for Unity reinforced the message that national integration requires collective responsibility and active participation from every section of society.
The National Unity Day celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir concluded as an occasion to remember Patel’s contribution and renew the commitment towards unity, peace, harmony and the overall development of the Union Territory.
