The state police department organised a programme here today on the Ridge on the occasion of 145th birth anniversary of first Deputy Prime Minister of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel which was celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’.While presiding over the function, Governor Bandaru Dattatraya said that our brave soldiers were protecting the borders to maintain the integrity of the country. However, the people of the nation also had an equal responsibility in maintaining peace and unity as the anti-social elements were trying to mislead the common people for their vested interests. We need to be careful with them as they keep trying to hurt the integrity of the country by resorting to terrorism, casteism, regionalism and religion.The Governor said that the fight on the basis of caste, religion and area inanimate the foundations of the country and it has neither individual benefit nor national interest. He said that the economy, judiciary etc. of any country would be able to smooth all these things only when there was unity in the people.He said that the biggest hurdle in unity was personal interest and in the present situation, personal interests had become imperative and ideological differences were the main hindrance in the development of the country.“We should remember that wherever there is a rift, people will find their benefits in it. We are the only losers in such a situation”, said the Governor.
He called upon the people to rise above all social, linguistic and religious differences and unite to contribute for development of the country.The Governor said that 31st October, the birthday of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is observed as National Unity Day to perpetuate Patel's contribution to the political integration of India. He said that today was also the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. He paid his tributes to both great personalities of the country.On this occasion, the Governor took salute from an impressive march past presented by police contingents led by Parade Commander Siddharth Sharma. Earlier, the Governor administered the oath of National Unity.Director-General of Police Sanjay Kundu proposed a vote of thanks.Mayor Satya Kaundal, Deputy Mayor Shailender Chauhan, Secretary, Home, Manoj Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Aditya Negi, and senior officers of the police department were also present on the occasion.Later, the Governor also visited blood donation camp site organized by All India Valmiki Samaj Vikas Parishad on the Ridge the occasion of Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti.