With the mandate from the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) to observe the National Unity Day to mark Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary on Friday, schools and universities across the national Capital have pulled up their socks and chalked out proper schedules with the “run for unity” and other socio-cultural events. Various schools and universities have planned debate competitions and march pasts as well.

Extensive security arrangements have been put in place in and around Rajpath and India Gate since Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the run. All the offices of various Ministries were closed down from 2 pm onwards on Thursday as the security agencies are in no mood to allow any misadventure during the run. According to an estimate over 50,000 people from all walks of life are expected to participate.

According to the Government’s notification, the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) would be celebrated on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off a collaborated ‘run for unity’ at the India Gate. He will also administer a pledge for unification and internal security which is along the lines of Sardar Patel’s vision .

For the education sector’s adequate involvement in the celebrations, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Directorate of Education have sent corresponding notifications to schools and universities to arrange events in sync with the day’s significance. All the universities were sent notification by the HRD Ministry suggesting various events to mark the day.

Colleges and schools were also sent a copy of the pledge with instructions regarding the ‘run for unity’ and other events. The events suggested by the HRD Ministry also included organising debate competitions, exhibitions, panel discussions, march past by the NCC, screening of a film on Patel. Thus, every school in their own way is planning a series of events to mark the occasion.

The Delhi University is holding various programmes at the North Campus and also in all the colleges affiliated to the university. In a notification to all the colleges, the university has also asked them to “submit a brief report of the same along with the photographs latest by November 3”.

Additionally, the DU has scheduled “cultural dances by North-East and international students, debate competition, screening of films on Patel, inauguration of exhibition, parade, and run for unity,” said a notification by the Delhi University.

Colleges have also geared up for the events. “We have sent email notification to all our staff. Though we have not made it compulsory but have organised interesting events to ensure maximum participation,” said Vijay K Sharma, principal of Ram lal Anand College. Similarly, Jamia Millia Islamia has planned events both in their school and the university.

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has planned a 'run for unity' and a book display and exhibition of the works of Patel. IP University will hold a 'run for unity'.

Schools were also sent notifications by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) giving instructions about the events. Apart from the separate events at schools, CBSE has also selected about 350 centres which will be separately involved in spreading the message by inviting students from their neighbouring schools.

In every centre the activities will focus on collectively making posters, jingles, paintings, collage, team debates on topics around ‘unity and integrity’ and ‘safety and security’.

In schools, poster competition on unity, integrity and security have been scheduled, while at the university level, essay competition and plays are being screened along with oath administering and run for unity. Amity International School, Noida has been selected as the centre for conducting activities with the neighbouring schools on Friday and will be organising several events.

“We have organised three rounds of talks on the topic unification of India. Along with it, a march past will also be held where all students will be participating and then take a pledge in both Hindi and English,” said Vinita Roy, a teacher at The Indian School in South Delhi.

The events will be concluded by singing of the National Anthem.