New Delhi, Oct 31(UNI) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday flagged off the 'Run for Unity' to commemorate the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel here and recalled
the contributions of Sardar Patel, especially in uniting the nation.
'Run for Unity' was held, as part of observance of 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day).
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Singh said, 'We are here together on the occasion of our
first home minister's birth anniversary, who united country's 562 provinces, which was not an easy task'.
Had he not done this, one could not imagine what would have been the situation in the
country.
Mr Singh said everyone in the country is proud of Sardar Patel’s contribution for the nation.
He also mentioned about Sardar Patel's 'Statue of Unity' which will be
dedicated to the nation today by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Gujarat.
The Union Home Minister also administered the 'Oath of Unity' on the occasion.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Harsh Vardhan, Information and Broadcasting and Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar
and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri were also present on the occasion.
Among others who were present on the occasion included eminent
sports personalities--Karnam Malleswari, Mary Kom and Hockey Player Zafar Iqbal.
The 'Run for Unity', which started from the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium
here was thronged by a large number of people
from various walks of life especially youngsters who were seen wearing T-shirts with Sardar
Patel's portrait on it.
Earlier, President Ram Nath Kovind led the Nation to pay tributes to Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary here.
President, along with Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and the Union Home Minister offered floral tributes
at the statue of Sardar Patel here at Patel Chowk on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.
Mr Puri and Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal also paid floral tributes at the statue of Sardar Patel at Patel Chowk.
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