Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) in Gandhinagar held a series of events from October 28 to 30, 2026, to mark National Unity Day and the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. More than 350 NCC cadets, firefighter trainees, students, faculty members and staff took part in a Run for Unity on October 30, along with students from RSS School.

The events included an essay writing competition, documentary screenings and a unity pledge. They focused on Patel’s role in bringing India’s princely states together after independence and the need to protect national unity.

The programmes were held under the leadership of RRU Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel. The October 30 run took place under the guidance of Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra.

The university’s activities came ahead of the national observance on October 31, when India marks Patel’s birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, or National Unity Day.

Patel, born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad, Gujarat, served as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. He played a leading role in the integration of more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union after independence in 1947. His work helped shape the political map of the country.

The task was difficult. At the time of independence, British rule ended over a large territory that included princely states with their own rulers. Patel, working with V. P. Menon and other leaders, helped bring these states into the new Indian Union through talks and, in some cases, force.

The annual National Unity Day observance recalls this part of India’s history and asks citizens to reflect on the importance of national integration. Across the country, schools, colleges, government offices and community groups organise runs, pledge ceremonies and competitions.

At RRU, the events began on October 28 with an essay writing competition organised by the Literary and Debating Committee (LDC) of the School of Criminal Law and Military Law (SCLML). The subject was Patel’s role in integrating the princely states and building a united India.

Documentary screenings were also arranged for students and staff through displays across the campus. Nearby schools were encouraged to screen the documentary so that younger students could learn about Patel’s contribution to nation-building.

The programme ended with the Run for Unity on October 30. Participants included NCC cadets, firefighter trainees, university students, faculty and staff, as well as students from RSS School.

The run also carried messages linked to youth health and social responsibility. Student volunteers held placards reading “Drug-Free India Begins with Youth” and “Say No to Drugs, Yes to Life”.

The campaign connected the message of national unity with efforts to discourage drug use among young people. The participants also promoted “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”, a government initiative that encourages people to learn about the languages, cultures and traditions of other parts of India.

RRU’s event drew senior university officials and representatives from educational and NCC institutions. Those present included Registrar Dr Dharmeshkumar D. Prajapati; University Dean Dr Jasbirkaur Thadhani; Dean, EDLD, Dr Priyanka Sharma; Lt Col B. S. Rao (Retd.), Principal, RSS; Lt (Dr.) Gaurav Kushwah, Director, SNPMMB; Lt (Dr.) Ruchika Singla, Associate NCC Officer (ANO), 1 Gujarat Girls Battalion NCC; and Mr Bhawanisinh Rathore, Chief Training Officer (CTO), 37 Gujarat NCC Battalion.

The gathering concluded with students and staff taking the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge. The pledge calls on citizens to protect the unity, integrity and security of the country and to support national integration.

The event was coordinated by Mr Kashyap Parmar, Manager, EDLD; Mr Yashu Sharma, STO, SPES; Mr Mitesh Rathod, Drill Instructor, SNPMMB; and Mr Uzair Ishaq, Drill Instructor, SNPMMB.

RRU, a national university focused on policing, security and related fields, regularly engages students in activities connected with public service and national security. Its National Unity Day programme brought together students, trainees and staff from different parts of the campus.

The events in Gandhinagar were held a day before the main national celebrations at Ekta Nagar in Gujarat, where the Statue of Unity stands. The statue, which is 182 metres tall, was built in Patel’s honour and opened to the public in 2018.

India observes National Unity Day every year on October 31. The date is used to remember Patel’s work and to renew the pledge to keep India united. RRU’s campus ran educational activities as part of the wider observance, with young people taking part in a programme centred on the country’s history and civic duties.

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