Mokokchung district launches month-long events to mark National Unity Day and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary

MOKOKCHUNG — Mokokchung District has rolled out a calendar of events from October 31 to November 25 to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) and the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the “Iron Man of India”.

As mandated by the government of India and government of Nagaland, the lineup of activities was announced during a press conference held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung, addressed by Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma, ADC and MMC CEO Atsungba Walling, and Additional SP Y Tumchobemo Yanthan on Friday.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas was introduced by the government of India in 2014 and is celebrated every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who played a key role in the political integration of the nation.

The month-long activities commenced with the “Run for Unity” marathon organised by Mokokchung Police on the morning of October 31, symbolising collective strength and national unity, said DC Mokokchung Ajit Kumar Verma.

Verma highlighted that specific events during this period will be organised in the district, involving government bodies, educational institutions, and civil organisations, as resolved in a joint coordination meeting held on October 28 in this regard.

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ADC Walling detailed the sequential rollout of key programmes, starting with a “Padayatra” (Unity Foot March) on November 6 at 7 am, flagged off from the Town Hall and culminating at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex. A second march is planned for November 24 or 25, spearheaded by the ADC Mokokchung HQ and district youth officer.

The chief medical officer (CMO) has been tasked to host five free camps—two in urban areas and three in rural ones—focusing on preventive screenings amid rising lifestyle concerns. Urban sessions on November 12 and 15 at the MMC Shopping Complex will cater to vendors and shoppers, offering checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and haemoglobin levels. Rural outreaches are set for Yaongyimti New (November 5), New Camp (November 16), and Mekuli (November 21), extending similar services along with general check-ups.

The district education officer (DEO) will engage 20 schools in a spectrum of activities, including seminars, workshops, district-level debates, Swadeshi Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge drives, and art/poster competitions. Under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ Mera Yuva Bharat initiative, specific schools have been assigned thematic tasks to deepen historical appreciation.

GHS Kubolong, Whetstone High School (Yimyu), and GHS Longkhum will host seminars and workshops exploring Patel’s legacies on any of the topics—the Bardoli Satyagraha of 1928, the integration of 562 princely states, and the establishment of All-India Services. Essay and debate contests on “Sardar Patel and National Unity” will be held at Mayangnokcha GHSS, NI Jamir GHSS, GHSS Mangkolemba, and GHSS Tuli.

For creative expression, GHS Sungratsu, GHS Mangmetong, and Little Garden School, Tuli, will organise poster and painting competitions themed “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel”.

Participating institutions must upload photos and videos of their events, with winning essays slated for publication in local dailies. All schools are mandated to lead Swadeshi Bharat/Atmanirbhar Bharat and Nasha Mukt Yuva (Drug-Free Youth) pledges during morning assemblies on October 31. Submissions should be forwarded to 8787372855 for compilation and recognition.

The District Public Relations Office (DPRO) will organise photo exhibitions and pamphlet distributions at two prominent locations in Mokokchung to amplify awareness drives.

Meanwhile, urban local bodies under CEOs and executive officers will launch cleanliness drives across municipal and town council jurisdictions, with reports to be compiled by the concerned authorities.

DC Verma concluded the briefing with an appeal to all departments, civil society organisations, and the public to extend unwavering support to celebrate the programmes in a befitting manner.