Press release National Unity Day - Rashtriya Ekta Divas (31 October 2022)

National Unity Day - Rashtriya Ekta Divas (31 October 2022)

Embassy of India

Bangkok

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Press Release

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) is being celebrated every year on 31 October, since 2014, to pay tributes to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel who played a crucial role in the integration of 565 princely states with the Union of India by his resolute efforts, vision, and diplomatic approach. A prominent leader of the Indian freedom struggle, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India.

In this connection, this Embassy has organised a series of events during the week 25 to 31 October 2022 to commemorate the enormous contributions of Sardar Patel. A Unity Run and Unity Human Chain formation was organised on 26 October 2022 in Benchakitti Park. A photo exhibition on Sardar Patel was organised from 28 to 31 October 2022 at the premises of the Embassy.

The event organised on 31 October 2022 at the premises of the Embassy was attended by prominent Indian diaspora members. Ambassador designate of India to the Kingdom of Thailand Mr. Nagesh Singh inaugurated the event and delivered his remarks. Prof Surat Horaichaikul, Chulalongkorn University gave a talk on contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Videos on unsung heroes of Indian independence movement from the states of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra were screened. Mr Ravi Bhatia, an eminent diaspora member made a presentation about the role of Indian diaspora in Thailand in the freedom struggle of India. Videos on unsung freedom fighters, patriotic dance and song performances were also presented.

Several online cultural events were organised by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Bangkok during the week. An online talk by Smt Shobhana Radhakrishna on the topic “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel - A supreme Leader with Exemplary Qualities” was screened on social media handles of the Embassy. The Embassy procured special mugs for the digital campaign “UNI-TEA” and encouraged Indian diaspora to actively participate in the digital campaigns by Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Bangkok in virtual mode on 31 October 2021.

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Bangkok

31 October 2022