Speakers highlight Sardar Patel’s contribution to nation-building on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

Faculty, students and volunteers participate in the National Unity Day rally held to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, at the OTPRI campus, JNTUA, in Anantapur on Saturday. | Photo Credit: BY ARRANGEMENT Mera Yuva Bharat (MYBharat), Anantapur, under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, in collaboration with the NSS unit of Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University-Anantapur (JNTUA), organised a National Unity Day rally to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and observe the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2026, at the OTPRI campus, JNTUA.The programme was attended by G. Mamatha, NSS programme coordinator, JNTUA; G.V. Subba Reddy, director, OTPRI; Bisathi Bharath, MYBharat representative; B. Durgaprasad, deputy registrar, JNTUA; among others.The event commenced with garlanding the portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and paying floral tributes to the national leader. Addressing the gathering, the speakers highlighted Patel’s extraordinary contribution to nation-building, particularly his historic role in integrating numerous princely states into the Indian Union after Independence, thereby laying a strong foundation for India’s unity and territorial integrity.They emphasised that his patriotism, visionary leadership, determination and commitment to national integration continue to inspire generations. They called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to uphold the values of unity, integrity and brotherhood, rising above caste, religion, regional and other differences.The dignitaries, students, NSS volunteers and youth collectively administered the national unity pledge, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding the unity, integrity and sovereignty of the nation.Following the pledge, a national unity rally was organised across the college campus, spreading awareness about national integration, communal harmony, brotherhood and the importance of unity in building a strong and prosperous India.MYBharat volunteers B. Ambareesh, B. Ramu and I. Sai Karthik, along with teaching and non-teaching staff, NSS volunteers, students and a large number of youth, actively participated in the programme. Published - October 31, 2026 06:59 pm IST