Manipur today joined the rest of the nation in observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, who played a pivotal role in integrating over 500 princely states into the Indian Union. Observances were held across all districts, featuring unity runs, marches, parades, and cultural programmes reaffirming the message of peace, integrity, and national solidarity.
At the state-level observance held at the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles Parade Ground, Governor of Manipur Ajay Kumar Bhalla graced the occasion as Chief Guest. The Governor inspected the parade and took the salute from 13 contingents in a grand march-past commanded by Pramesh Arambam, MPS, Commandant of the 4th Indian Reserve Battalion. He also led the gathering in taking the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Bhalla reflected on the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, describing him as a statesman whose vision and courage forged the foundation of a united and sovereign India. He said that the celebration serves as a reminder of Patel’s role in unifying the nation, symbolised by the Statue of Unity which stands as a testament to India’s collective strength and resilience.
The Governor urged citizens, particularly the people of Manipur, to uphold the spirit of unity by fostering peace and harmony among communities. He observed that Manipur’s diversity is its strength, embodied in its shared traditions, women’s leadership in Ima Keithel, and the contributions of farmers, artisans, and youth across hills and valleys. He highlighted state initiatives such as the Manipur State Rural Livelihood Mission, skill development, and women empowerment programmes as instruments of inclusive growth and social cohesion.
The event featured participation from contingents of the Army, Assam Rifles, BSF, CRPF, Combined Manipur Rifles, IRB units, Civil Police, and NCC cadets, along with a cultural dance performance titled “Akhoigi Apunba Saktam” (Our Collective Identity) by Government Dance College students.
Chandel District Observance
The District Administration, Chandel, held its observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at the DC Conference Hall. Md. Firoj, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chandel, graced the event as Chief Guest. Officials and staff from various departments attended the function, taking part in the National Unity Pledge.
In his address, Md. Firoj highlighted Sardar Patel’s decisive role in uniting the princely states after Independence and called upon citizens to uphold the values of integrity, harmony, and good governance envisioned by him.
Bishnupur District: Run for Unity
At Bishnupur, Deputy Commissioner Pooja Elangbam flagged off the “Run for Unity” from the Mini Secretariat Complex. The event, organised by the District Administration in collaboration with the District Youth Affairs and Sports Office (DYASO), saw enthusiastic participation from athletes, youth, and district officials including ADM Toijam Opendro, AC to DC Sh. Gunamani, and SDO/BDO Bishnupur Loitongbam Rishikanta.
Following the run, the DC administered the Unity Pledge reaffirming the district’s commitment to uphold national integrity and peace.
Jiribam: National Unity Run 2025
In Jiribam, a 15-kilometre “National Unity Run 2025” was organised by the Jiribam District Police under the theme “Run for Peace & Unity” as part of the 134th Manipur Police Raising Day and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
The marathon was flagged off by Prakhar Pandey, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Jiribam, along with Tapan Kumar, Commanding Officer of the 87th Battalion CRPF, and Seemi Ramror, Commanding Officer of the 7th IRB. The race began from Zero Point near the Irawat statue and drew participants from various regions.
Ch. Kumar Singh of Chandam Leikai, Sonai Cachar (Assam) won the first position, followed by Binoy Nambram (second) and Md. Abdul Kalam (third).
Tamenglong: Unity March and Cultural Show
A Unity March was held at Tamenglong jointly organised by the District Administration and Mera Yuva Bharat Tamenglong. The march began at Haipou Jadonang Park and concluded at the Mini Stadium, accompanied by cultural performances by the Inriangluang Phunguang Youth & Cultural Club.
Dr. L. Angshim Dangshawa, IAS, graced the occasion as Chief Guest and underscored the importance of harmony among Naga, Meitei, and Kuki communities in the district. He reminded the gathering of Sardar Patel’s ideals of unity, integrity, and communal harmony, urging all to live by the principle “United we grow, divided we fall.”
The event saw participation from district officials including SP Lanmiyo Luikham, Additional SP Josiah T. Pamei, and other senior officers, educators, students, and local leaders. The Deputy Commissioner later led the participants in taking the National Unity Pledge.
Churachandpur: Run for Unity – Run for India
In Churachandpur, Additional Deputy Commissioner Lalrobul Fimate, MCS, flagged off the “Run for Unity – Run for India” from Public Ground, Hiangtam Lamka. The event, organised by the District Administration, marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and aimed to promote national integration and unity.
Prior to the flag-off, SDO Vidyamari Sridhar, IAS, administered the Unity Pledge to participants including personnel from the Police, CRPF, and other departments, along with students from various schools. The event concluded at the Mini Secretariat, Tuibong, with wide participation reflecting the shared spirit of harmony and patriotism.