“Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” or “National Unity Day.”

The Vice-Chancellors of all the universities across the nation has been asked by University Grants Commission (UGC) to celebrate birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on 31 October with various events. The birth date of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel will be observed as “Rashtriya Ekta Diwas” or “National Unity Day.”

In a notification issued on 22 October 2014, the institutes are asked to inform UGC about the different types of activities they have planned to do for celebrating 31 October.

As per Ved Prakash, UGC chairman, “I am certain you could consider organising many other such activities which could spread the message of unity, safety and security. While you may prepare a list of activities which would be context specific with respect to your institution, you have to make it a point that you will accord top priority to administering the pledge and organising a run for unity.”

The institutes have been asked to organize a ‘run for unity’ event and to administer the ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge’ to each student, faculty and the staff members of each university. Not only this, but universities and institutes can also organize debate competitions, NCC march past and photo exhibitions, and screen documentary films on Patel.