DARHAL, Oct 31: Government Degree College (GDC) Darhal celebrated National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) with patriotic fervour to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India.
The programme was organised by the College Cultural and Literary Committee under the guidance of Principal Prof. Zamir Ahmed Mirza.
The highlight of the event was an informative lecture delivered by Dr. Ata Ul Rehman Malik, Head, Department of Political Science, on the theme “Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Contribution to the Accession of Princely States into the Indian Union and the Importance of National Unity Day.”
During his lecture, Dr. Malik highlighted Patel’s pivotal role in integrating more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union following Independence in 1947. He elaborated on Patel’s leadership as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India and his association with V. P. Menon in carrying forward the historic integration process.
He also discussed the political and diplomatic efforts involved in the integration of Junagadh and Hyderabad, besides explaining the complex circumstances surrounding the accession of Jammu and Kashmir.
Emphasising the significance of National Unity Day, Dr. Malik said that unity does not imply uniformity but reflects the ability of people belonging to different religions, languages, cultures and regions to coexist with mutual respect and shared national responsibility.
He urged students to rise above narrow divisions, promote communal harmony, respect cultural diversity and uphold the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity. He further stressed that maintaining national unity is the collective responsibility of every citizen.
The programme was attended by faculty members, including Prof. Ghulam Abbas, Dr. Taseem Ahmed, Dr. Mohd. Akhlaq, Prof. Anzar Ahmed, Dr. Zarkha Sultan, Dr. Hilal Tantray, Dr. Musheer ul Hasan and Dr. Tariq Bhat, along with students.
Faculty members and students actively participated in the programme and appreciated the importance of remembering the contributions of national leaders to India’s history and nation-building.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to national unity, integrity and fraternity, reaffirming the college’s efforts to promote patriotism, constitutional awareness and responsible citizenship among students.