MHA to organise police parade, awards on National Unity Day

As part of plans to celebrate National Unity Day on October 31 on a grand scale at the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in Gujarat, the Union Home Ministry has directed all state police chiefs to send contingents for a parade on lines of the Republic Day parade and also to send nominations and recommendations for the Sardar Patel National Unity Award for 2019.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla in a letter to state police chiefs has also suggested to display the portrait of Sardar Patel along with message -- 'We will always keep India's security and unity intact' -- in all offices of Central Armed Police Forces and police offices across the country to inspire people and personnel.

Bhalla also said that this year's celebration of National Unity Day has a special significance as it marks the completion of the task of making Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh an integral part of India by abrogating Article 370.

In the letter reviewed by IANS, he said: "On this occasion, to recognise the historical contribution of Sardar Patel, as the first Union Home Minister, in laying firm foundations of Indian police and giving it its identity, character and direction, it would be an apt gesture to display the portrait of Sardar Patel along with a message in all offices of CAPFs/CPOs across the country to inspire people and police personnel alike".

He further said that the observance of National Unity Day on October 31 serves to reinforce the commitment to strengthen the security, unit and integrity of the country.

"It not only commemorates the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of national integration of independent India but also re-affirms the inherent strength and resilience of our people to withstand threats to the security, unit and integrity of the country," the home secretary said.

Bhalla added that special events were being undertaken to mark the celebration at National Unity Day. For the first time, National Unity Day parade with participation from police forces across the country is being organised on October 31 at the Statue of Unity, which will be held every year thereafter.

"The government of India has instituted a prestigious national award -- Sardar Patel National Unity Award to recognise the tireless and selfless work done by citizens to promote the cause of national unity and integrity and to strengthen the fabric of the country as one nation," the home secretary said while seeking nominations or recommendations for the award which will be given after the parade at the Statue of Unity.

The 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue, was constructed at a cost of Rs 2,989 crore. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the statue on the occasion of Patel's 143rd birth anniversary.IANS