NEW DELHI: The students of Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas across India are expected to greet teachers and friends in one of the 22 recognised Indian languages for 22 consecutive days beginning October 31 as part of a nation-wide programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
"The Human Resource Development ministry is organising essay competitions, debates, 'run for unity', pledges in 2,000 plus Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas, drawing participation from a huge number of students.
The students will also be encouraged to speak simple sentences/words in constitutionally recognised 22 Indian languages for 22 consecutive days -- one language every day," a ministry statement said.
In the national capital and across the country, people will take a pledge to protect the unity and integrity of India and participate in the programmes.
The Home Ministry said various union ministries and departments will organise 'run for unity', march-past and other activities on the occasion of the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'.
These ministries include the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, External Affairs, Defence, Railways, Power, Housing and Urban Affairs, Shipping, Civil Aviation, Road, Transport and Highways, Tourism, Petroleum and Natural Gas, among others.
Senior citizens, women, ex-servicemen, prominent sports personalities and others are expected to join the celebrations.
The MEA will organise pledge taking in Indian Missions. Essay/quiz competitions, debates, short films, photo exhibition, etc., will be organised in offices of MEA and in the Indian Missions.
It will arrange 'talks' on life and contribution of Sardar Patel in cooperation with 'Friendship Societies' and 'Think Tanks', the statement said.
The Ministry of Railways will organise pledge and march-past at its zonal and divisional headquarters.
Under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, various events such as run for unity, pledge, floral tribute, poetry/painting competitions involving all citizens of tier-I and tier-II cities including SMART and AMRUT cities/towns will be organised.
The Ministry of Culture will organise activities including essay, quiz competitions, lectures and symposium at Sahitya Academy and other programmes at Zonal Cultural Centres.
The National School of Drama will organise a special play on Sardar Patel. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas will organise programmes in oil PSUs.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will telecast the film 'Sardar' on DD, play radio and TV jingles and will run features on life and achievements of Sardar Patel.
Talk shows/interviews based programmes/live phone-in programmes on 'integration of India' will also be telecast by the Ministry, the statement said.
The Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) will actively participate in state-level and other field level functions and organise March pasts.