ICAR Institutes Celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas 2025

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is observed every year on 31 October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, who played a pivotal role in the political integration of the country after independence. The Government of India introduced the observance in 2014 to honor his extraordinary contribution in uniting more than 560 princely states into a single, sovereign nation.

The day holds great significance as it reinforces the message of unity, integrity, and security of the nation, inspiring citizens to uphold the values of national cohesion and collective strength envisioned by Sardar Patel.

ICAR Institutes pan India celebrated the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas today.

ICAR-Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad

On this occasion, Dr. V. K. Singh, Director, ICAR-CRIDA, administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge to all staff members, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

Workshop on NICRA-TDC Review and Future Roadmap is going at ICAR-CRIDA. In all the sections of workshop participants of the workshop took the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge.

The event emphasized the importance of national integration and collective responsibility in maintaining harmony and peace across the country.

ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi

ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

On this occasion, the significance of Sardar Patel’s contribution towards national integration was remembered, and participants reiterated their resolve to uphold and strengthen the spirit of national unity and brotherhood.

The Pledge for National Unity was administered to all staff members and officials, who solemnly reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and strengthening the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

The programme concluded with a message emphasizing collective responsibility towards maintaining harmony and fostering the vision of a strong and united India.

ICAR-National Research Institute for Integrated Pest Management, New Delhi

To mark the occasion, Smt Neelam Mehta, ACTO, ICAR-NRIIPM, administered the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge to all staff members, including contractual personnel, reaffirming the collective commitment to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

In his address, Dr. R. Thangavelu, Director, ICAR-NRIIPM emphasized the enduring relevance of Sardar Patel’s vision and urged everyone to contribute actively towards building a cohesive and self-reliant India.

The theme for this year’s observance was “Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, reflecting the spirit of unity and self-reliance. A symbolic “Unity Race” was organized to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, fostering patriotic fervour among participants.

ICAR-Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Barrackpore

At the outset of the programme, Dr. Gouranga Kar, Director, ICAR-CRIJAF, delivered an address highlighting the significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas and the remarkable contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel to India’s freedom struggle and the unification of princely states that laid the foundation of a sovereign nation. He also emphasized the importance of unity in all spheres of life, particularly in research, where collaboration across disciplines is essential for innovation and progress.

Following his address, Dr. Kar led the Ekta Diwas Pledge, which was taken by all staff members, Research Associates, Senior Research Fellows, Young Professionals, and students of IARI–Kolkata Hub. The pledge ceremony was succeeded by a “Unity Walk” around the institute premises, symbolizing solidarity and togetherness.

Subsequently, a short film on the life, vision, and contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was screened at the Institute Lecture Hall, followed by videos themed “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” A banner featuring Sardar Patel’s portrait was prominently displayed across the institute campus and on the main gate’s digital display screen to mark the occasion.

ICAR- National Institute of Animal Nutrition and Physiology, Bengaluru

ICAR-NIANP, Bangalore observed Rashtriya Ekta Diwas today to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India. To mark the observance, a solemn pledge ceremony was held on the occasion.

ICAR-Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, Bhopal

The celebration commenced with the screening of a short video on “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, highlighting India’s cultural and social unity and inspiring participants to view diversity as a source of national strength.

This was followed by the Unity Pledge, administered to all officers, staff members, students, and contractual employees, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the nation’s unity and integrity. A Unity Walk and Run was then organized within the campus, with enthusiastic participation from staff and students, symbolizing collective strength and togetherness.

The event concluded with an address by the Director, ICAR-CIAE, who emphasized Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in nation-building and urged everyone to contribute to national integration and harmony. The programme effectively reinforced the spirit of unity, solidarity, and shared responsibility in building a strong and united India.

ICAR–Indian Institute of Soil and Water Conservation, Dehradun

The ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge’ was administered to all staff members by the Director of the Institute. In addition, a talk on the theme “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” was organized to commemorate Vallabhbhai Patel’s invaluable contribution to the unity, integrity, and security of the nation.

ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources, Bengaluru

The programme began with the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge, reaffirming the collective commitment of all employees to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the nation. As part of the observance, posters showcasing the life, leadership, and contributions of Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were displayed across the institute premises, inspiring staff and visitors with his vision of national integration and good governance.

All categories of staff scientific, technical, administrative, supporting, students, and project personnel actively participated in the event. To further spread the message of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, a Unity Walk was organized along Bellary Main Road, Bengaluru, with enthusiastic participation symbolizing solidarity and collective strength.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR–NBAIR, highlighted the enduring relevance of Sardar Patel’s ideals and underscored the importance of unity and cooperation in building a strong and progressive nation.

The celebration concluded with a renewed spirit of national pride, togetherness, and commitment among the participants, truly reflecting ICAR–NBAIR’s dedication to national integration and collective progress.

ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas-2025 was celebrated at ICAR-Central Institute of Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology, Ludhiana, R.S. Abohar and ICAR- KVK, Fazilka today to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.

ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research, Hyderabad

The programme began with an introduction on the significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, highlighting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monumental contribution to the nation’s unity. This was followed by the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, administered by Dr. R. M. Sundaram, Director, ICAR–IIRR, during which all scientific, technical, administrative, and supporting staff pledged to uphold the unity, integrity, and security of the country.

A Unity Run was then organized within the institute premises, with enthusiastic participation from all staff members, symbolizing solidarity and the spirit of oneness. Posters and banners depicting Sardar Patel’s life, vision, and contributions were displayed across the campus, inspiring participants with his ideals of nation-building and public service.

The observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas at ICAR–IIRR reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to unity, national integration, and collective progress, while strengthening its resolve to contribute to agricultural innovation, food security, and national development through excellence in rice research.

ICAR–Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow

The celebration commenced with the administration of the Rashtriya Ekta Pledge, wherein about 80 staff members of the Institute reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, integrity and security. A Unity Walk was also organized on the occasion to spread the message of collective strength, social harmony and national integration among the staff. A farmer’s gosthi on canopy management on mango was also organized at Wajid Nagar, Mailhabad, Lucknow, where thoughts of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ was shared among farmers.

To mark the occasion, banners highlighting the life, contributions and vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were placed at prominent locations across the campuses. Various thematic activities were conducted to instill the spirit of unity, patriotism and nation-building among the participants. The event concluded with an expression of collective resolve to uphold the ideals of Sardar Patel and contribute towards a stronger, united and progressive India.

ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Ludhiana

The programme was chaired by Dr. Rajesh K. Rana, Officiating Director, and co-chaired by Dr. Preeti Mamgai, Principal Scientist, along with Mrs. Manjeet Kaur and Ms. Indu Bagal from ICAR–ATARI, Ludhiana. Distinguished guests included Mrs. Ramanpreet Kaur Sidhu and Mrs. Rajwinder Kaur from Government Senior Secondary Smart School, PAU, Ludhiana.

Students presented paintings on “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat”, followed by a welcome address by Dr. Rana and a thematic talk by Dr. Sharandeep Kaur. ATARI staff highlighted the cultural heritage of northern Indian states. Students Balwinder Singh and Anshika shared their views on unity, cultural diversity, and integrity in public life.

In his address, Dr. Rana emphasized discipline, civic responsibility, and national values, motivating students to excel in their studies. The event concluded with the distribution of certificates and gifts to prize-winning students. The celebration reflected the true spirit of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, promoting unity and cultural harmony.

Over 40 participants, including scientists, staff, and students, attended the event.

ICAR-Central Institute for Women in Agriculture, Bhubaneswar

The day-long programme began with the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge, administered to all staff of ICAR–CIWA in the presence of Dr M.L. Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR) through virtual mode. Following the pledge, short videos on ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ and the life and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were screened, highlighting the importance of unity, peace, and integrity in nation-building.

Subsequently, a Unity Walk was organized, during which staff members raised slogans promoting national unity and awareness about Sardar Patel’s contribution to the nation.

In the afternoon session, an elocution programme was held, providing SRFs and YPs an opportunity to share their reflections on the importance of national unity. Their thoughtful presentations showcased the spirit and vision of the younger generation towards a united and progressive India.

ICAR-National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases, Bhopal

The celebration began with the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Pledge, administered by Dr. H. V. Murugkar, Acting Director and Principal Scientist, reaffirming the commitment of all staff and students to the nation’s unity, integrity, and security.

This was followed by an inspirational lecture on “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” by Dr. Sandeep Bhatia, Principal Scientist, who emphasized India’s strength in unity amid diversity and highlighted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s pivotal role in unifying the nation. He also linked the idea of unity to the collaborative scientific ethos of ICAR, stressing that national excellence can be achieved only through collective responsibility, cooperation, and mutual respect.

ICAR- National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata

Dr. DB Shakyawar, Director, ICAR-NINFET addressed the staff members and spoke about the importance of the celebration. He also highlighted upon the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, The Iron Man of India.

Prof. (Dr.) J.P. Sampath Kumar, Director, NID, Assam graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

ICAR-National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal

(Source: Respective ICAR Institutes)