One India, Great India: Grand Unity March in Dehradun on Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary
Over 7,000 Participants to Join 8-Km ‘Ekta Padyatra’ from Ghantaghar to Shaheed Sthal on October 31
Dehradun: The 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and architect of independent India’s unity and integrity, will be celebrated with great zeal and pride in Dehradun district. To mark the occasion, a grand “Ekta Padyatra” (Unity March) will be organized on 31 October, starting from Ghantaghar (Clock Tower) at 7:30 a.m. and culminating at Shaheed Sthal, Chid Bagh, covering a distance of nearly 8 kilometers. More than 7,000 participants are expected to take part in the march.
In preparation for the event, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Abhinav Shah chaired a review meeting with officials of all concerned departments at Vikas Bhawan on Wednesday. He directed that maximum public participation be ensured and that invitations be sent to public representatives and prominent citizens.
CDO Shah stated that the Unity March aims to spread the message of national unity, security, and brotherhood among all citizens. He invited people from every section of society to participate voluntarily in the event. The CDO also instructed officials to ensure the participation of educational institutions, NSS, NCC, PRD volunteers, sportspersons, ex-servicemen, Anganwadi workers, NULM groups, and self-help groups.
Departmental Responsibilities
During the meeting, various departments were assigned specific tasks:
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The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) will arrange ambulances and life-saving medicines along the route.
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The District Supply Officer will provide refreshments for participants.
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The General Manager, District Industries Center, will ensure an adequate supply of national flags.
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The Chief Horticulture Officer will arrange garlands and flowers.
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The Transport Officer will manage vehicle arrangements.
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The Chief Education Officer will organize oath ceremonies on “Self-Reliant India” and “Drug-Free Youth”, as well as debates and essay competitions on Sardar Patel’s life in schools and colleges.
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The Traffic SP will ensure smooth traffic management along the designated route of the Unity March.
Statewide Celebration
My Bharat Deputy Director Monika Nandal informed that in honor of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, Unity Marches of 8 to 10 kilometers each will be organized at three locations in every district. The first Unity March will be held at Dehradun district headquarters on October 31, followed by similar grand events in Vikasnagar and Doiwala by November 25.
Officials Present
The meeting was attended by Sub-Divisional Magistrate and Nodal Officer Harigir, Project Director DRDA Vikram Singh, District Development Officer Sunil Kumar, CMO Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Chief Education Officer V.K. Dhauliyal, District Supply Officer K.K. Agarwal, Deputy Director My Bharat Monika Nandal, and District Program Officer Jitendra Kumar, among others.
