IMPHAL, Oct 31: The National Unity Day was observed at the 1st Manipur Rifles Ground as a part of its nationwide celebration to commemorate the birthday of Sardar Vallabhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India, who was responsible for unifying more than 500 princely states of India after the British left the country.
Speaking as the chief guest of the function, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi said that the vast country of India that we know today was formed due to the ingenuity and bold decisions of Sardar Patel who was also the first Home Minsiter of post independent India.
He played a crucial role in making the constitution of India by appointing BR Ambedkar as the chairman of the drafting committee and was awarded with the country’s highest civilian award ‘ Bharat Ratna’ in 1991.
Taking the pledge of National Unity, the Chief Minister appealed for the maintaining the unity of the country.
In the function presided by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, also the Home minister, CM Okram Ibobi led others in taking the pledge of National Unity.
He also inspected the parade of various contingents before the commencement of the function.
The contingents which participated in the parade were Manipur Rifles male contingent, IRB male contingent, Civil Police male contingent one, Civil Police male contingent two and 9th IRB female contingent. The combined band contingent of 1st MR, 1st IRB and MPTC also took part in the parade.
The parade was commanded by 8th IRB commandant Ningshen Vashum of the MPTC.
Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2014/11/natonal-unity-day-observed-in-1st-mr-ground/