Jammu, Oct 31: Throughout the Jammu region, several unity runs and integrity pledges were held in observance of “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas,” which commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nation’s first home minister. Since 2014, the anniversary of Sardar Patel’s birth has been observed as “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas,” or National Unity Day. To commemorate the day, a “Run for Unity” was held in this location. On October 31, 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, which divided the former state into the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, went into effect. In J&K and Ladakh, this day is observed as Union Territory Day.Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar led the large unity run in Jammu, which was sponsored by the district administration. The run started at Gulshan Ground Area and ended at Hari Singh Park. The run for unity drew hundreds of participants, including schoolchildren, government representatives from various agencies, law enforcement officers, and citizens. They performed “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” organ chants. Speaking to media in this location, Kumar announced that on the 148th anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth, a unity marathon had been planned. Kumar stated that he had been instrumental in the unification of India. According to the official, the day is also commemorated as the establishment day of Jammu and Kashmir’s Union territory. People from all walks of life participated in a run for unity that was planned in response to this, he said. Preside over an integrity promise of the people, Kumar urged that people should emulate Sardar Patel by prioritising the nation and striving for unity and honesty. Reports from the district administration in a number of districts state that similar pledge runs for integration and unity were also held in their districts. SSP Amritpal Singh of the Jammu and Kashmir Police in Rajouri set off a “Run for Unity” on Tuesday morning as part of the celebrations marking “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” and police memorial week. Khalil Poswal, SSP Kishtwar, underlined the value of unity and the way Sardar Patel’s actions brought princely kingdoms together to become a single, unified India. He exhorted everyone in attendance to preserve the fundamental principles of harmony and diversity.
