Universities to conduct activities to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas : UGC

After the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the University Grant Commission (UGC) has issued a circular asking universities to observe ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ on October 31, 2018. The Government of India observes October 31 as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “The occasion provides us an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity, and security of our country,” the circular reads.

‘Run for Unity’ by the students, teachers, and staff with the message of Unified Bharat or ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge taking ceremony, and debates, quizzes, and competition on relevant topics’ are some of the activities suggested by the UGC in the circular. “Where NCC unit exists, UGC has suggested inviting Army Officers/Ex-Army Officers to give a talk on National Unity, Integrity, Security and any other related topic,” it reads. The UGC has suggested all the universities and affiliated colleges to upload the videos of activities undertaken on the University Activity Monitoring Portal. Earlier, the CBSE had directed its affiliated schools to celebrate National Unity Day on October 31, 2018.

In colleges where NCC unit exists, UGC has suggested inviting Army Officers/Ex-Army Officers to give a talk on on National Unity, Integrity, Security and any other related topic.  Colleges and Universities may also upload the video of activities undertaken on the University Activity Monitoring Portal.

About Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Popularly known as the Iron Man, Patel was a lawyer by profession. He was called Sardar which means Chief or leader.In 1946, during Congress elections, thirteen out of sixteen states chose Sardar Patel as their president, who was the more popular candidate for the first Prime Minister of independent India than Jawaharlal Nehru. However, upon Mahatma Gandhi’s behest he stepped down as a candidate and endorsed Jawaharlal Nehru instead. Eventually, Sardar Patel became the first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India in 1947.