Srinagar, Oct 31 (KNO): Dedicating the day to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) with great enthusiasm across all districts of the Valley, marking the 150th birth anniversary of the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister.
According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer as part of the nationwide celebrations, a series of events including Run for Unity, Ekta Pledge ceremonies, photo exhibitions, seminars and plantation drives were held in Srinagar, Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Bandipora, Kulgam, Kupwara, Ganderbal, Budgam, Sopore, Handwara and Awantipora.
J&K Police observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas with a series of events across the Union Territory to pay tributes to the architect of India’s unity and integrity.
As per details, the main function was held at Ghanta Ghar, Lal Chowk, Srinagar, where Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Armed, Anand Jain flagged off the Run for Unity, joined by IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey and SSP Srinagar.
Additionally, film actor Mukesh Rishi was the special guest, inspiring participants and spectators alike.
Speaking at the event, ADGP Jain, as per KNO, highlighted the enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and urged all citizens and officers to emulate his principles of unity, discipline and dedication. “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas reminds us that the strength of India lies in its unity. Every member of J&K Police carries forward the message of peace, integrity and collective responsibility,” Jain said.
The event witnessed massive participation from officers, youth and civil society members. Alongside the unity run, Ekta Pledge ceremonies, photo exhibitions and plantation drives were held at all police units across Srinagar.
A large-scale tree plantation drive was carried out at District Police Lines (DPL), Police Stations and Police Posts under the “Ekta Vriksh” campaign, symbolising harmony between people and nature.
At District Police Lines Srinagar, a Photo Exhibition on the life and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel drew enthusiastic participation from students.
As per KNO, SP Headquarters Shah Umar, DySP Headquarters Syed Sleet Shah and DySP DAR Mohd Rafee led the programme, which included lectures, interactive sessions, and awareness talks. Educational pamphlets and booklets on Patel’s life were distributed among schoolchildren.
UNITY RUNS AND PLEDGES ACROSS SOUTH KASHMIR
In Kulgam, DIG South Kashmir Range Javid Iqbal Mattoo and SSP Anayat Ali Chowdhary jointly flagged off the Run for Unity from Chaimulla to Navayug Tunnel alongside Brigadier Sudhir Kumar Singh and cricketer Parvez Rasool. Hundreds of youth, students and citizens participated with patriotic zeal.
In Anantnag, pledge-taking ceremonies, photo exhibitions and an Ekta Tree Plantation Drive were held across all sub-units. DIG South Kashmir Javid Iqbal Mattoo and SSP Amritpal Singh graced the main event at DPL Anantnag, where officers reaffirmed their commitment to integrity and peace.
In Shopian, a symbolic Ekta Vriksh campaign and Run for Unity were held under the supervision of SSP Mushtaq Ahmad Choudhary-JKPS. The district also hosted a seminar on police-public trust and a Blood Donation Camp at PHC Imamsahib, inaugurated by DySP Chander Kant-JKPS.
In Pulwama, SSP Tanushree-IPS administered the National Unity Pledge at District Police Lines, where contingents of J&K Police, Armed Police and Home Guard participated in a ceremonial parade and march past. Similar events were held across all sub-units of the district.
CENTRAL KASHMIR
In Ganderbal, SSP Khalil Ahmad Poswal-JKPS flagged off a Mini-Marathon Run for Unity from Clock Tower to Gadoora Stadium. Contingents of Police, CRPF, SSB and NCC joined the event. A ceremonial parade and Ekta Tree Plantation Drive at DPO Ganderbal marked the day’s conclusion.
In Budgam, a Run for Unity from Railway Station to T-Crossing saw over 300 students and youth participate. SSP Nikhil Borkar-IPS led the event, joined by senior officers. A photo exhibition highlighting Sardar Patel’s life and ideals was also organised.
NORTH KASHMIR
In Bandipora, the main run was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner and SSP Bandipora, with students and CRPF personnel joining in. Pledge-taking ceremonies and awareness programmes on Patel’s life were held across police establishments.
In Baramulla, Ekta Pledge Ceremonies, Plantation Drives and a Joint March Past by Police, CRPF and civil volunteers showcased collective resolve to uphold unity, integrity and brotherhood.
In Kupwara, Sopore, Handwara and Awantipora, similar unity runs, tree plantation drives and seminars were held, reaffirming the message of peace, harmony and national cohesion.
Throughout the day, interactive sessions, cultural events and awareness programmes highlighted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to national integration. Officers and citizens across J&K took the National Unity Pledge, committing to uphold peace, unity and integrity in the spirit of the Iron Man of India.
Notably, ADGP Armed Anand Jain commended the coordinated observance across the UT, noting that J&K Police has set a powerful example of discipline, patriotism and collective strength. “From Srinagar to Kupwara, every police officer and citizen who participated today embodied the values Sardar Patel stood for. Unity is our greatest strength, and J&K Police will continue to uphold that spirit in service of the nation,” he said—(KNO)