UGC asked colleges to make short clips for National Unity Day
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked universities and colleges to make short clips on "unification" on the occasion of National Unity Day (October 31). The top three clips would be selected for screening at the Prime Minister''s Office.

The Centre observes October 31 as ''Rashtriya Ekta Diwas'' (National Unity Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the first Home Minister of independent India.

The regulatory body of higher educational institutes has also recommended a range of activities, from a pledge-taking ceremony to unity runs, march past, plays, slogan-writing contests etc., to mark the event.

In a letter to the Vice-Chancellors (VCs) of Central universities, UGC Secretary Jaspal S Sandhu said it has been decided to launch a week-long nationwide campaign on October 31 in the memory of Sardar Patel by conducting events which would be in consonance with his "decisive efforts in unifying a diverse country like India".

Felicitation of freedom fighters and recording of their stories or recollections of Sardar Patel have also been suggested by the UGC.