To celebrate the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas- the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbai Patel-India’s First Home Minister and Freedom Fighter, referred to as the Iron Man of India for bringing together thousands of Princely states to form the National Union that we call India, the National Service Scheme(NSS) Campus Units, University of Jammu, organized  a series of events to celebrate as “National Unity Day-Rastriya Ekta Diwas-2022”, under the aegis of “Azadi ka Amrit Kaal” on 31stOctober 2022.

   The function began with the presentation of a floral tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and lighting of lamp ceremony. This was followed by Pledge Taking Ceremony by all present on the occasion. The Pledge is “I solemnly pledge that I dedicate myself to preserve the unity, integrity and security of the nation and also strive hard to spread this message among my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge in the spirit of unification of my country which was made possible by the vision and actions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. I also solemnly resolve to make my own contribution to ensure internal security of my country”.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor & Chairman NSS, University of Jammu, Jammu in his address asked the gathering why unity day is explained the significance of this day. He gave one message to the young generation on National Unity Day “Ek Rashtriya-We All Are One Irrespective of Religion, Cast, Colour and Creed” He further stressed on importance of such events to generate awareness among the students community and staff to promote the National Unity and integrity to strengthen the fabric of the country as one nation.

Thereafter, to re-affirm the inherent strength of unity, the Run for Unity around the Campus was flagged off by the Chief Guest of the occasion, Prof. Umesh Rai , Hon’ble Vice- Chancellor and Chairman NSS, University of Jammu.  A large gathering of Officials, Faculty Members, Non –Teaching Staff, NSS Volunteers, NSS Programme Officers joined in the Run for Unity and Pledge taking ceremony. At the very outset the convener NSS, Campus Units, University of Jammu, formally welcomed all the dignitaries and participants. Thereafter   the rally progressed   around the Campus raising the Slogans , “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Jai Hind”, “Vande Matram” “ Ek Lakshya -Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat”.The NSS Volunteers also holded  posters depicting unity and  banners in their hands on which slogans were written .Some of the slogans were, “Anekta Mei Ekta ,Yehi Bharat ki Vishesta”, “Never Go Out of Unity You Cannot Win Alone”, “Ekta Hamari Shaan Hai”, Sabhi Dharam Ki Ek Pukaar, Ekta Ko Karo Saakar”.   All the participants participated in the event with zeal and enthusiasm.

The NSS Volunteers also participated in Swachhta Abhiyan/ Cleanliness drive. The participants started picking up wrappers and waste material lying scattered here and there. After collecting them they threw them in the garbage bags. The garbage which was collected by the volunteers in the garbage bags and was then placed in the dustbins for its disposal off.

The event was conducted under the mentorship of Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor & Chairman NSS, University of Jammu, Jammu who lauded the efforts of all the participants for the successful conduct of the event and said that such events reflect the country’s glorious ethos of unity in diversity, unflinching faith in peace and harmony.

The event was conducted under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Savita Nayyar, Convener, NSS Campus Units, University of Jammu, Jammu, who at the very outset welcomed all the gathering. Dr. Savita Nayyar said that such events help in the harmonious growth of the society and universal brotherhood.

Prominent among those who were present in the Programme were Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, President JUTA, Mr. Vijay Sharma, President Non–Gazetted Employees Association, Prof. Namratra Sharma, Prof. Satinder Kumar, Prof. Veenu Koul, Prof.Rakesh Vaid , Prof. Shashi Manhas, Dr. Vinay Thusoo, Dr. Harish Chander,Dr.Skarma Nonzom,, Dr. Pritam, Dr. Raj Kumar, Dr. Sunita Sharma, Dr. Tarsem Singh ,Mr.Dubey, Dr. Hema Gandotra, NSS Programme Coordinator, University of Jammu, Dr.Neelam Choudhary, Dr.Harginder Singh, Dr. Isha  Sharma, Dr. Monika Bhardwaj , NSS Programme Officers, University of Jammu, various Faculty Members ,Teaching and Non –Teaching staff of University of Jammu. The event was over all coordinated by Dr. Meghna Dhar, NSS Programme Officer, NSS Campus Unit-II, Science Faculty, University of Jammu, Jammu. She said that the event was organized in order to spread the message of Unity, Integrity and Security of our country.