THEBUSINESSBYTES
BUREAU
PARADIP,
OCTOBER 31, 2026
Reaffirming the
enduring spirit of national unity, integrity and collective responsibility,
Paradip Port Authority (PPA) celebrated Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity
Day) with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm on Saturday, commemorating the birth
anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, whose visionary
leadership and unwavering determination played a pivotal role in uniting the
country. The occasion was marked by a ‘Run for Unity’, bringing together people
from diverse walks of life in a collective expression of solidarity and
commitment to the ideals of national integration.
As part of the
observance, PPA organised the ‘Run for Unity’ to spread the message of national
integration, unity, integrity and brotherhood. The event witnessed enthusiastic
participation from PPA officers and employees, Central Industrial Security
Force (CISF) personnel, sports trainees of Gopabandhu Stadium, students of
Paradeep College and trainees of Odisha Maritime Academy, reflecting a shared
commitment to the cause of national unity.
Addressing the
gathering, T. Venu Gopal, Deputy Chairman, Paradip Port Authority, highlighted
the vision, leadership and invaluable contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
in bringing together the diverse regions of the country and laying the
foundation for a united India. He underscored the importance of building an
inclusive, prosperous and harmonious nation and urged everyone to uphold the
ideals of unity, integrity and national solidarity in their everyday lives.
Thereafter, Venu
Gopal flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’, which traversed the Port Township before
culminating at Gopabandhu Stadium. The run served as a symbolic expression of
the collective resolve to strengthen the bonds of unity and reinforce the spirit
of togetherness, fraternity and national integration.
On the occasion, Ashoka
Kumar Sahu, Financial Adviser and Chief Accounts Officer (FA & CAO), along
with Heads of Departments (HODs), officers and employees of PPA, students and
CISF personnel, also participated in the Unity Pledge. The participants
reaffirmed their commitment to preserving and safeguarding the unity, integrity
and security of the nation, while upholding the values of mutual respect,
harmony and brotherhood.
The celebration was a tribute to the extraordinary leadership and enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose foresight, determination and statesmanship played a defining role in the political integration of India. His contribution continues to inspire generations to rise above differences and work collectively towards the larger interests of the nation.
The programme concluded with a renewed pledge to uphold the spirit of national unity, teamwork and collective responsibility. The observance also reinforced the importance of individual and institutional commitment towards nation-building, with PPA reiterating its resolve to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive, harmonious and prosperous India.
