The Puducherry government joined the nation in observing Friday, October 31, as National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas), on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The day was also observed as ‘Rashtriya Sankalp Diwas’ to mark the death anniversary of the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Chief Minister N. Rangasamy administered ‘Unity Oath’ and flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ from Gandhi Thidal on Beach Road, in which school students and volunteers of the National Service Scheme participated. Ministers and government officials were also present.
Earlier in the day, cadets of the Naval unit of the NCC participated in a ‘Run for Unity’, which was flagged off from the NCC Group Headquarters in Lawspet.
Though its ally, the Bharatiya Janata Party at the Centre, has come under fire from the Congress for not observing the death anniversary of Indira Gandhi in a befitting manner, the Puducherry government did not forego its usual traditions. Mr.. Rangasamy led ministers and MLAs in paying floral tributes at the statue at Indira Gandhi Square. Scriptures from different religions were recited, and a two-minute silence was observed.
The Congress observed the anniversary at its headquarters. Former Union Minister of State V. Narayanasamy, Leader of the Opposition V. Vaithilingam, Puducherry Pradesh Congress Committee chief A.V. Subramanian and other Congress leaders also paid floral tributes at the statue.
