Manipur joined the rest of the country in observing the National Unity Day 2021 (Rashtiya Ekta Diwas) to commemorate the 146th Birth Anniversary of Late Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, at 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground on Sunday.
Delivering his speech as chief guest, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that unity can be achieved through equality, mutual respect, understanding and development. N Biren Singh maintained that the observance of National Unity Day gives a message to everyone that despite differences in cultures and traditions among various inhabitants of the country, “we can build a strong nation defending our unity, integrity and security by following the path of our great leaders.”
“Let us take pledge to protect the integrity and unity of our country,” he added. He appealed to the government officials to attend such nationwide observation without fail.
He reminded that National Unity Day is being observed on October 31 every year to honour the contribution made by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Nation building. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Central government has been observing the National Unity Day throughout the country since 2014, he added.
As a tribute for his selfless sacrifice for a United India, the government has built the ‘Statue of Unity’, world's tallest statue, a colossal statue of Indian statesman and independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, he added.
N Biren Singh recalled that Sardar Patel was one of the greatest freedom fighters who had participated in various freedom struggles against the oppressive rule of the British.
As a national leader, he took part in many freedom struggle movements like Peasant Movement, Civil Disobedience Movement, Quit India Movement among others under the Gandhian Principle, he added. Sardar Patel is still known as Patron Saint of India’s Civil Servant for introducing the Modern All India Services System. Apart from this, the leader played a major role in unifying the then British Provinces and more than 500 Independent Princely States, under the Indian Independence Act, 1947, making the country a strong Nation and a United India, he added.
Appreciating people’s love and support given to the government in the last four and half years, N Biren Singh said that the state government has bridged the gap between hill and valley regions and move forward to bring inclusive development in the state. Since the installation of the BJP-led government in 2017, the government has taken up various steps to provide good governance in the state. “We are committed to bring positive change in the state and welfare of the people. With sincere efforts and dedication, we could bring further development in the state,” he added.
He further informed that the government has decided to launch Go to Village 2.0 from November 2 across the valley districts of the state. Camps will be organised in the districts to reach out to the citizens at their doorsteps, explain government programmes and its benefits to the people and ensure timely delivery of services to eligible beneficiaries and redressal their problems.
As a part of the observance, the chief minister led others, who took part in the observation, in administering the National Unity pledge.
He also took salute from nine marching contingents including BSF contingent, CRPF contingent, Combined Manipur Rifles Male Contingent, Manipur IRB Male Contingent, Civil Police Imphal West (male), Civil Police Imphal East (Male), 9th IRB Mahila Contingent, NCC contingents (Boys and Girls). The marching parade was commanded by deputy commandant, 8th IRB Kh Robinsun,.
Earlier this morning, the chief minister flagged off a motorcycle rally at Hapta Kangjeinung as a part of the observance of National Unity Day 2021.
The motorcycle rally was organised by the Manipur Police department. ADGP Clay Khongsai, DIG Kamei Angam Romanus, SP (Kakching) Victoria Yengkhom led hundreds of riders in the rally which aims to spread the message of national unity which will culminate at Mao gate.
Around 700 riders belonging to different groups participated in the rally. During the function, N Biren Singh distributed certificates for participation to different rider groups.
Minister for YAS Letpao Haokip, Minister for Education S Rajen Singh, Minister for TA and H Vungzagin Valte, Minister for Agriculture O Lukhoi, minister for CAF and PD Th Satyabrata, chairman Manipur Pollution Control Board L Radhakishore, chairman Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers’ Board H Dingo, MLA Wangkhei assembly constituency Y Erabot, chief secretary Rajesh Kumar, DGP LM Khaute and other top civil and police officials were present during the function.
