Sri Vijaya Puram, November 1: On the occasion of the 151st birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and National Unity Day, the Lieutenant Governor of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, yesterday took the salute at the National Unity Day March Past organised by the Andaman and Nicobar Police at Marina Park, Sri Vijaya Puram. The March Past, organised from Dugong Guest House to Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, conveyed a strong message of national unity, integrity and social harmony.
Various contingents of the Police participated in the March Past and displayed exemplary discipline and coordination.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor flagged off 23 newly procured Police Control Room (PCR) vehicles. The induction of these state-of-the-art vehicles into the Police fleet will further strengthen police mobility, emergency response capabilities and law and order management across all three districts. These vehicles will play an important role in providing prompt assistance to the general public.
In his address, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the unparalleled contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards national integration and stated that National Unity Day provides an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. He also appreciated the efforts of the Andaman and Nicobar Police.
On the occasion, the Member of Parliament, Mr. Bishnu Pada Ray, the Director General of Police, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), the Senior Superintendent of Police (South Andaman), other senior officers of the Administration and dignitaries were present.
According to a press release from the Andaman & Nicobar Police, the Ekta Parade-2026 was organised along the Marina Park route, from SVPMC Dharasala to JNRM, Sri Vijaya Puram, via Government Girls’ Senior Secondary School, with the Lieutenant Governor as the Chief Guest.
The ceremonial parade featured contingents of the A&N Police Executive (Male & Female), IRBn, Fire Service, Police Brass Band, Ladies Pipe Band, Home Guards and NDRF, led by Platoon Commander Mr. Abhijeet Sirohi, IPS, SDPO, South Andaman. The march-past reflected discipline, dedication, patriotism and solidarity, symbolising the strength of national integration and unity in diversity.
The 23 newly inducted PCR vehicles have been dedicated across the three districts. The initiative is aimed at strengthening police mobility and operational capabilities, ensuring swifter emergency response and further enhancing public safety and security across the Islands.
The Lieutenant Governor paid rich tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recalling his visionary leadership and monumental contribution towards the integration of princely states and the making of a united India. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s ideals of unity, integrity and collective responsibility. Emphasising inclusive public participation and community engagement, he noted that such initiatives foster mutual trust, strengthen police-public relations and reinforce the collective responsibility of citizens in preserving national unity, harmony and integrity.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General of Police, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Mr. Ravindra Singh Yadav, IPS, reiterated the commitment of the A&N Police towards building a safe and drug-free society through proactive policing, stringent enforcement against drug trafficking, and sustained preventive, rehabilitative and community outreach initiatives. He also highlighted the extensive observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas across the Islands, with programmes organised at 26 Police Stations, 8 Police Units and 4 Fire Stations. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to join hands with the Police in the fight against drug abuse and contribute towards a healthy, safe and drug-free society.
As part of the nationwide Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations, the A&N Police participated in the National Motorcycle Rally-2026, themed ‘Fight Against Drugs’, with a dedicated contingent of 12 police personnel. The rally was flagged off on October 10 from the National Memorial, Cellular Jail, Sri Vijaya Puram, by the Lieutenant Governor. The contingent travelled through Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra and Daman & Diu, spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse, and interacted with students, NCC cadets, police trainees and local communities, encouraging healthy lifestyles and responsible choices. The contingent was scheduled to participate in the Grand Ride Past at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on October 31, carrying the message of national unity and a drug-free India beyond the Islands.
Through the Ekta Parade, the induction of new PCR vehicles, participation in the National Motorcycle Rally and celebrations across the Islands, the Andaman & Nicobar Police reiterated its resolve to strengthen public trust and contribute towards a peaceful, secure and drug-free society, the release said.
