Union Home Minister Amit Shah today flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. The event was organized to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who was born on the 31st of October 1875.

Speaking on this occasion, the Home Minister said, today, India stands strong before the world on the path to becoming a leader in every field, and its foundation was laid by Sardar Patel. He stressed that Sardar Patel’s vision, ideas, and message in every field have been given concrete shape by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Home Minister said that the Unity Run is not just a resolution for the unity of the country; it has also become a resolution for a Viksit Bharat. Remembering the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Mr. Shah said that Sardar Patel played a pivotal role in unifying the diverse princely states to form a united country.

The Union Home Minister raised question over delaying the conferment of Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel saying that unfortunate attempts were made to forget Sardar Patel for years. He said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked to keep the memory of Sardar Patel alive by installing the world’s tallest statue in Gujarat. The government has decided to organize the event today instead of 31st October because of Diwali. On Thursday, the Prime Minister will offer floral tribute to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Kevadia in Gujarat which will be followed by Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations. He will administer the Ekta Diwas pledge and witness Ekta Diwas Parade which will comprise of 16 marching contingents from 9 States and one UT Police, four Central Armed Police Forces, NCC and a marching band. Special attractions this year include Hell March contingent of NSG, daredevil show by BSF and CRPF women and men bikers, a show on combination of Indian Martial Arts by BSF, piped band show by school children and Surya Kiran flypast by Indian Air Force.