- Run for Unity, competitions, and academic events mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary at Rashtriya Raksha University
- Students, NCC cadets, and faculty reaffirm commitment to national integration, fitness, and patriotic values
NE EDUCATION BUREAU
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 1
Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU) solemnly commemorated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas — National Unity Day — and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Lauh Purush or Iron Man of India, through a series of academic and community-oriented events on October 30 and 31, 2025.
The observance began with a Poster Making Competition and an Elocution Contest, providing creative platforms for students to express the spirit of unity and patriotism. The poster event encouraged visual interpretations of “Unity in Diversity, Harmony, and Nation-Building Spirit,” while the elocution focused on “The Role of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in the Integration of Princely States.”
Run for Unity: A March for Oneness
On October 31, 2025, the commemorations culminated with the Run for Unity, symbolizing the strength of India’s unity and collective resolve. A large contingent of NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and RRU students joined Gujarat Police officers from Dahegam, Rakhiyal, and Dabhoda for a spirited run from Nehru Chokdi to Rewaba Vidyamandir School, Palaiya, Dahegam.
Simultaneously, another Run for Unity was held within the RRU campus, reinforcing the values of national integration, health, and fitness as essential elements of national security.
Academic Reflection and Inspiration
Under the leadership of Prof. (Dr.) Bimal N. Patel, Vice Chancellor, the celebrations reflected RRU’s enduring commitment to unity, integrity, and national service. His guidance and participation in the national-level committee for Rashtriya Ekta Diwas further underscored the university’s role as a knowledge hub fostering security and civic values.
Prof. (Dr.) Kalpesh H. Wandra, Pro-Vice Chancellor; Dr. Dharmeshkumar D. Prajapati, Registrar; and Prof. (Dr.) Priyanka Sharma, Dean (Extension) graced the occasion. Addressing the participants, Prof. Wandra emphasized that “discipline and physical fitness are foundations of national security,” calling upon students to embody Sardar Patel’s vision of unity and strength.
The event also featured a special lecture by Prof. (Dr.) Kanaiyalal Nayak, Dean and Head, Department of History and Culture, Gujarat Vidyapeeth, on “The Contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to Nation Building.” His address provided historical insights into Patel’s leadership in unifying India’s princely states.
A documentary screening on Sardar Patel further enriched the learning experience, deepening participants’ understanding of the Iron Man’s statesmanship and vision.
Aditya Purohit, National Security Staff Officer to the Vice Chancellor, highlighted RRU’s role as a “Gyan Setu”—a bridge of knowledge in modern policing and national security during the Amrit Kaal.
The observance concluded with the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge, administered to faculty, staff, and students, reaffirming their collective commitment to India’s unity, integrity, and progress.
Through these heartfelt commemorations, Rashtriya Raksha University paid glowing tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—renewing its resolve to inspire patriotism, discipline, and a spirit of national service among the youth of India.
