Sudam Babu| State Bureau Odisha

Run for Unity, Special Tribute Meeting and National Integration Pledge Organised to Mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Birth Anniversary

Boudh, October 31, 2026: National Unity Day was observed with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit across Odisha’s Boudh district on Saturday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India. A series of programmes, including a mass Run for Unity, a special commemorative meeting and the administration of the National Unity Pledge, were organised to honour his contributions to the nation.

The celebrations began in the morning with a mass Run for Unity from Boudh Stadium. Participants marched through various streets of the town, spreading the message of national integration, communal harmony and brotherhood.

Several prominent district officials and representatives joined the rally, including Jugal Kishore Samal, representative of the Kandhamal Member of Parliament; District Sports Officer Jyotiranjan Bhue; Boudh Block Development Officer Jugal Kishore Biswal; District Education Officer Temlal Dubey; IPE Anand Behera; DPC Mission Shakti Rashmiranjan Sethi; and District Information and Public Relations Officer Bidyapati Panda.

Officials and employees from different government departments, along with hundreds of students from schools and colleges, actively participated in the programme.

Unity Pledge Administered at District Collector’s Office

A commemorative meeting was organised at 11 am at the District Collector’s Office under the chairmanship of the District Collector. The gathering paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and remembered his remarkable contribution to India’s unity and national integration.

During the programme, Additional District Magistrate Aniruddha Pradhan administered the National Unity Pledge to the officers and employees present. He urged everyone to remain committed to protecting the country’s unity, integrity and security.

Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer Prabhas Chandra Dandasena, Sub-Collector Binay Kumar Bhoi, all Tahasildars, the District Sports Officer and several other government officials and employees attended the meeting and participated in the pledge-taking ceremony.

Patel’s Contribution to National Integration Remembered

Speakers at the programme highlighted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s exceptional leadership, determination, patriotism and commitment to building a united India.

Following the country’s independence in 1947, Patel played a historic role in bringing hundreds of princely states together and integrating them into the Indian Union. His political vision and strong leadership helped establish the foundation of India’s territorial unity and national integrity.

District Information and Public Relations Officer Bidyapati Panda stated that Patel’s dedication, sacrifices, determination and invaluable contributions to national unity would continue to inspire future generations.

Collector Calls for Unity Beyond Social Differences

Addressing the gathering, the District Collector appealed to citizens to rise above differences based on caste, religion, language and region.

He emphasised that collective responsibility, mutual respect, social harmony and brotherhood were essential for preserving the country’s unity and building a strong, prosperous and developed India.

The National Unity Day celebrations in Boudh concluded with a renewed commitment among officials, students and citizens to uphold the ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and strengthen the spirit of national integration.