North Central Railway Celebrates National Unity Day at Prayagraj Headquarters with Run for Unity
General Manager Naresh Pal Singh Administers National Unity Pledge and Flags Off Run to Mark 151st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
The North Central Railway (NCR) Headquarters in Prayagraj celebrated National Unity Day with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour on October 31, 2026, to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India.
The celebrations were organised in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Railway Board, reaffirming the spirit of national integration and the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The programme brought together senior railway officials, employees, members of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and representatives of the North Central Railway Sports Association to highlight the importance of national unity, integrity and security.
The celebrations began with a pledge ceremony at 8:00 AM, followed by a Run for Unity organised to spread the message of national integration and collective responsibility.
General Manager Administers National Unity Pledge
General Manager of North Central Railway, Naresh Pal Singh, administered the National Unity Day pledge to officers and employees present at the headquarters.
During the ceremony, participants collectively pledged to uphold the unity, integrity and security of the nation. They also resolved to contribute towards strengthening the country’s internal security and promoting the ideals and vision of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel among the people.
The pledge ceremony highlighted the significance of Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s national integration, particularly his historic role in bringing together hundreds of princely states after independence to build a united nation.
The occasion served as a reminder of the values of national solidarity, mutual cooperation and collective responsibility that continue to remain relevant in strengthening India’s social and institutional fabric.
Railway officials and employees participated in the ceremony, expressing their commitment to the principles of unity and national integrity.
Run for Unity Organised at NCR Headquarters
Following the pledge ceremony, the North Central Railway organised a Run for Unity under the leadership of General Manager Naresh Pal Singh.
The event aimed to spread awareness about national integration and encourage people to embrace the spirit of unity beyond regional, linguistic and cultural differences.
Officers and employees from various departments of the North Central Railway Headquarters participated in the run with considerable enthusiasm. Members of the Railway Protection Force and the North Central Railway Sports Association also joined the programme.
The participation of railway personnel from different departments reflected the collective commitment of the organisation towards promoting national unity and the ideals associated with Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The General Manager flagged off the Run for Unity, encouraging participants to carry forward the message of national integration and work towards strengthening the unity and integrity of the country.
Senior Railway Officials Participate in Celebrations
Principal Heads of Departments (PHODs), senior railway officers and employees from various departments of the North Central Railway Headquarters were present during the celebrations.
The participation of officials and staff members from different sections of the organisation added to the significance of the programme, which focused on building a sense of shared responsibility towards the nation.
The celebrations also reinforced the broader message of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, an initiative promoting national integration through cultural exchange, mutual understanding and cooperation among different states and regions.
Remembering the Iron Man of India
National Unity Day is observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the principal architects of modern India’s political integration.
His leadership and efforts in integrating princely states following independence earned him the title of the Iron Man of India.
Through the pledge ceremony and Run for Unity, North Central Railway reiterated its commitment to preserving the values of unity, integrity and national security.
The celebrations at the Prayagraj headquarters highlighted the importance of remembering Sardar Patel’s legacy and translating his vision of a united India into collective action.
