Tributes and Pledge Ceremony in New Delhi
At the DEPwD headquarters in New Delhi, Secretary Shri Rajesh Aggarwal and senior officers paid floral tributes to the Iron Man of India. Addressing the gathering, Shri Aggarwal lauded Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India’s princely states and called upon citizens to uphold national integrity. A National Unity Pledge was administered to reaffirm collective commitment to peace, inclusion, and solidarity.
Across the country, DEPwD institutions organized a series of energetic “Run for Unity” events, rallies, and cultural programs. The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD) in New Delhi flagged off a unity run from Rajghat to Red Fort with more than 300 participants, including students and Divyangjan.
At the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC), the event began with a tribute ceremony and unity pledge, highlighting the role of communication in inclusion. Similarly, SVNIRTAR, Olatpur, hosted over 700 participants persons with disabilities, caregivers, and students in a unity run celebrating inclusive empowerment.
Inclusive Participation Across Regional Centers
Institutions such as NIEPID, Secunderabad, and CRC Nellore organized unity runs, poster-making competitions, and slogan-writing sessions on the theme “Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat.” CRC Nellore also conducted an orientation program to sensitize participants on the importance of unity in diversity.
Other regional Composite Regional Centres (CRCs) in Ranchi, Balangir, Gorakhpur, Davanagere, Tripura, Sundernagar, and Chhatarpur actively joined the campaign. In Balangir, Shri S.N. Mallik, Additional Superintendent of Police, inspired the crowd to uphold Patel’s ideals of integrity and national cohesion.
In Gorakhpur, the DEPwD collaborated with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) to organize a unity run leading to the Sardar Patel Statue. CRC Davanagere saw more than 250 participants waving the Tricolour and chanting slogans of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”
Patriotism Meets Public Awareness
CRC Chhatarpur combined the Vigilance Awareness Week 2025 observance with Unity Day celebrations. District Judge and Secretary of the District Legal Services Authority, Shri Vishnu Prasad Solanki, emphasized that integrity and unity form the dual foundations of a strong democracy.
Participants across India pledged to strengthen national integrity, echoing Sardar Patel’s timeless message of “One Nation, One People.” The events were infused with enthusiasm, cultural performances, and social awareness drives that celebrated both inclusion and patriotism.
Symbol of Inclusive Nationalism
The synchronized “Run for Unity” celebrations across all DEPwD institutions exemplified the spirit of inclusive nationalism. By bringing together persons with disabilities, caregivers, educators, and officials, the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to empowerment through unity.
The Department stated that such nationwide participation not only commemorates Patel’s legacy but also reinforces the message that every citizen, regardless of ability, contributes equally to the nation’s progress. This inclusive approach resonates strongly with India’s vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas.”
Honouring the Iron Man’s Vision
As India celebrated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the “Run for Unity” became more than a symbolic event it evolved into a powerful movement of togetherness. It reminded the nation that unity in diversity remains India’s greatest strength, just as Patel envisioned.
The celebrations across DEPwD institutions showcased a united India one that runs together, grows together, and stands tall in its diversity and integrity.