On the morning of Sunday 15th December, which is the Punya Tithi of Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ in Vadodara. Over 40 lakh people across over 1100 locations all over India joined the ‘Run for Unity.’ Shri Narendra Modi said that this run is being held with a determination to unite the people, unite the villages and unite the nation. He described the ‘Run for Unity’ as a matter of Rashtra Bhakti and an effort to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of the people of India. Shri Modi called for integrating the future generations with the message of unity.
Shri Modi paid rich tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his Punya Tithi. He said, “Sardar Patel devoted his life to unify the nation. He integrated the common people in the freedom struggle and made efforts to rid the nation of the colonial mindset. He undid the mindset of divisiveness and united the nation. When we remember Gandhi ji we remember truth, non-violence, sacrifice, simplicity, Satyagraha; when we remember Sardar Patel we remember Ekta, Surajya and Kisan (unity, good governance and the farmer).
He categorically stated that India’s diversity is India’s strength. Shri Modi gave the Mantra of ‘Akhandata Me Ekta, Hindustan Ki Visheshta’ (Unity in diversity, this is India’s strength). He further stated, “Our diversity is not something that is on paper. It is the manifestation of our strength. It is not only our identity but also our tradition.” Shri Modi avowed that there can be no bigger inspiration for the message of unity than Sardar Patel. Shri Modi said that good governance is the need of the hour and that it is India’s tradition to move ahead with a spirit of Jan Bhagidari.
Earlier, Shri Modi flagged off the 21 km and 15 km run. He also flagged off the 5 km run. The ‘Run for Unity’ has generated a phenomenal response all over the nation. Former Deputy PM of India and senior BJP leader flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ in Ahmedabad.
