REPORT OF RASHTRIYA EKTA DIWAS (NATIONAL UNITY DAY)

“There is something unique in this soil, which despite many obstacles has always remained the abode of great souls.”- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is being observed as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on 31st October 2020. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played an important role in uniting India. He was one of the most prominent leaders of the Indian independence movement, He was also known as an Iron Man of India and one of the founding leaders of the Republic of India.  On Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, his statue, called the “Statue of Unity”, was unveiled in Gujarat in 2018. 

The occasion provides us an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.

In keeping with the tradition, Ahlcon International School celebrated the National Unity Day on 29th October, 2020. Many spirited activities were conducted across all the sections. 

PRE-PRIMARY SECTION

 Pre primary teachers held a structured conversation through Theme Board where the children were made aware about Sardar Patel’s teachings and values. They conducted many virtual activities, online games, jigsaw puzzle and quizzes to commemorate the occasion. Children were asked different questions and they responded actively like where Sardar Patel was born…., near which river his statue is placed…., he was also known as…? 

Little Ahlconites celebrated the day with great enthusiasm and passion. The celebration started with children taking pledge and teachers explained the basic meaning of term Unity to children. The celebration turned out to be a delightful and memorable experience for everyone.

PRIMARY SECTION

In Primary section students paid tribute to his extraordinary attempt in building an integrated and inclusive modern India. They were shown different videos and teachers explained the relevance and indispensable importance of this day in Indian constitution. They also learnt about the unparalleled and immense contribution of Sardar Patel.

Students expressed their views through different posters and slogans. They also participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas Quiz along with their parents, organized by Ministry of Education. A special assembly and interaction planned and organized by Headmistress Ms. Anju Gupta, with  the special guest and COVID warrior, Dr. Ashutosh Bhardwaj, Senior consultant and Lead Critical Care Unit at Dharamshila Narayan Superspeciality Hospital, highly motivated the students. They were given useful tips about maintaining good health and hygeine. A virtual tour to COVID ICU was also organized and young ahlconites interacted with Doctors, Nurses, Patients and asked many questions related to corona. The frontline warriors set an example on how unity is the biggest strength and we can fight even the toughest times with power of oneness. All the concerns and queries of the students and teachers were answered. Dr. Ashutosh encouraged the students for maintaining their calm and mental peace by spending quality time with their family members and by indulging in different activities. An oath on National unity and solidarity was taken by the students where they pledged to work hard in laying a foundation of a unified country by preserving the integrity and security of the nation.

Principal, Mr. Sanjay Yadav expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Ashutosh for giving a wonderful experience and emphasized on team-work and encouraged students to work towards the unity of the country and take care of their wellbeing. Headmistress, Ms. Anju Gupta highlighted the importance of unity & integrity. She encouraged and helped children in realizing the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand any actual and potential threats like the corona pandemic, which has affected us as a whole.

MIDDLE SECTION

Middle Section, conducted a special assembly on National Unity Day. Mrs Swapna Nair, the Principal of Arwachin International School, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The enthusiastic comperes explained about Unity Day and how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel held an important role in uniting India. They expounded on how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel used Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed; the four policies of Chanakya, to unite the five hundred sixty two  princely states which were not agreeing to be a part of India and proved his mettle . The whole class stood united and swayed in the concept of unity through chanting and artistic rendition of ‘Sangachadwam’ taken from ‘Rig Veda’ hymns. In short it means to be open minded and work together in harmony. Students performed this vedic hymn many arts like dancing, singing, painting, poetry (Hindi & English) and video making based on the tenets of Sangachadwam.

At last a pledge was taken by one and all present in the assembly. Motivational speech was given by respected Principal Mr. Sanjay Yadav and honourable chief guest, Mrs. Swapna.

SENIOR SECTION

“Our unity is our identity, that is why our country is great”. As an effort to build the bond of cohesion, senior section conducted various activities to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas. Students gave a head start by participating in A Pledge (Oath) taking ceremony. Students of classes IX-X enthusiastically participated in a Slogan Writing competition on the theme ‘Rashtriya Ekta’. In addition to it a Quiz competition on the theme Knowledge, Traditions, Practices and Heritage of India was also organized for them. On the other hand, students of classes XI-XII whole-heartedly took part in a debate revolving around Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. All the events received overwhelming response and the day turned out to be better than imagined.