Nagpur: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Nagpur Regional Centre has celebrated the 140th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as National Unity Day. The programme was held as per directions of Ministry of Human Resource Development Government of India, Commandant, NCC Officers Training Academy, Kamptee Major General N S Rao was the Chief Guest and General Secretary (Vidarbha) of Sanskar Bharati Ashutosh Adoni was the Guest of Honour. The programme was initiated with lighting of lamp and garlanding the idol of Maa Saraswati.
In his welcome address Regional Director of Nagpur Regional Centre, Nagpur
Dr P Sivaswaroop explained the objective of the function. He said that every individual should inculcate the habit of finding similarities with others, (instead of differences) which will develop unity among different sections of the society. He also said IGNOU follows unified culture in offering education to different sections of the society.
Ashutosh Adoni, in his address said that India is an unparalleled country with multiple languages, multiple religions and multiple cultures but with an inherent Indianness in the people from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and from Kutch to Kamroop. Even invasion by various foreigners has not disturbed the unity for thousands of years. But the British rule has created self centered and materialistic thinking in the people which has resulted in the present status.
Major General Nandiraju Srinivasa Rao in his address as Chief Guest said that celebrating National Unity Day provides us an opportunity to reaffirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country. He said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with his diplomatic speech and foresightedness effectively handled the integration of 562 independent states into Union of India. Major General Rao termed National integration as the process of harmony, common identity and above all National Consciousness.
The Commandant of NCC Officers Training Academy told that NCC has rendered Yeoman Service in forging the spirit of integrity and unity with selfless service to the nation. NCC helps the youth to realize the intimate relationship between man and community, between community and nature and their inter-dependability. He appreciated the efforts of Nagpur Regional Centre in providing educational opportunities to deprived sections of the society.
Major General N. S. Rao had administered the pledge for National Unity to all the members present in the meeting.
Chandrashekhar Rajgure conducted the programmeme and D. Seshadri proposed vote of thanks. The programmeme was attended by students, faculties and employees of Regional Centre.
