Bhubaneswar, 31 October (H.S.): The Sports and Youth Services Department of Odisha celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the country's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj attended the programme as the Chief Guest and called upon people to uphold national unity and integrity while working collectively towards the country's development.

The programme began with the Minister offering floral tributes to the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recalling his invaluable contribution to the integration of the princely states and the consolidation of India's unity and integrity.

Addressing the gathering, Suraj said that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the Unity March are organised every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and inspire people through his ideals and vision. He urged citizens to preserve the unity and integrity of the country and contribute collectively to nation-building.

Emphasising the importance of national development, the Minister called upon people to work towards realising the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

He also stressed the need to strengthen the spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat', highlighting the importance of national solidarity, mutual cooperation and collective responsibility in building a developed India.

On the occasion, the Minister administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge to the participants, reaffirming their commitment to preserving the nation's unity, integrity and security.

A Unity March was also organised as part of the celebrations, with sportspersons, volunteers, students and social workers participating enthusiastically. The march highlighted the message of national integration and encouraged citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace the values of unity, discipline and collective responsibility.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, former MLA and social worker Priyadarshi Mishra, social worker and politician Golak Mohapatra, Jagannath Pradhan, Sudipta Ray and senior officials of the department were present at the programme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda