Run for Unity held at Budgam to Commemorate 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• DC leads March, Administers Ekta Pledge; Highlights Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Role in National Integration

BUDGAM: As part of the nationwide celebrations marking the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the District Administration Budgam today organised a grand Run for Unity (Padyatra) from Multi-Level Car Parking to the DC Office Complex Budgam, followed by an Ekta Diwas Pledge Ceremony at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, Budgam.

The event, aimed at fostering the spirit of national integration and paying tribute to the Iron Man of India, was organised under the overall supervision of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.

The DC flagged off the Padyatra and personally led the march, symbolising unity and collective resolve among the citizens. Hundreds of students, government employees, officials, and local residents participated in the march, carrying National flags, banners promoting the message of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.”

The Padyatra culminated at Sheikh-ul-Alam Hall, where DC Budgam administered the Ekta Diwas Pledge to all participants, reaffirming the collective commitment of the district’s citizens to preserve and strengthen the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

Addressing the gathering, the DC paid glowing tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, calling him one of the greatest nation-builders of India.  He said that “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s firm resolve, statesmanship, and foresight were instrumental in integrating our Country. His vision and leadership laid the foundation for a strong, united, and democratic India.”

The DC said , today’s Ekta divas served as a tribute to Sardar Patel's vision of a united India. He emphasised the essence of love transcending barriers of caste, color, creed, and religion, urging everyone to embrace unity.  The DC said , the National Unity Day celebration in Budgam reflects a collective commitment to the principles of integrity, inclusivity, and harmonious coexistence. 

The DC emphasised that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life continues to serve as an inspiration for every citizen to uphold the values of patriotism, integrity, and service.  He added that the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) reminds everyone of their duty to protect and strengthen the fabric of the nation. The DC highlighted that India’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and that unity amidst diversity forms the very essence of the country’s civilizational ethos. 

He remarked that our pluralistic culture, mutual respect, and harmony are what make India unique. He said that we must ensure that this unity remains unshaken despite differences in language, region, or belief.

He further encouraged the youth to take inspiration from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s unwavering commitment to public service and to play an active role in nation-building. “The young generation must emulate this discipline, determination, and dedication. They must work to strengthen the idea of India, an India that stands for peace, progress, and inclusiveness,” he said.

The DC also spoke about the importance of community participation, social harmony, and civic sense in maintaining peace and order at the grassroots level. He said that unity should not merely be symbolic but reflected in everyday acts of cooperation, compassion, and mutual support.

The DC appreciated the overwhelming participation from across different sections of society, noting that such events reinforce the spirit of collective responsibility and brotherhood.  He also commended the efforts of all departments and institutions involved in successfully organising the Padyatra and the pledge ceremony.

Earlier, the participants comprising of officials from various departments, students, and local citizens enthusiastically took part in the run, raising slogans celebrating India’s unity and diversity. 

Besides , ADDC Budgam, ADC budgam, PO ICDS budgam , CPO budgam ,CEO budgam, Senior officers of civil administration,  employees of different departments and civil society members were also present on the occasion.