Saluting the Iron Man and the architect of Modern India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh said that Sardar's ideology is the bedrock of Indian Unity.The Deputy Chief Minister said this after flagging off the 'Run for Unity’ to mark the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel which was celebrated today across the country.Speaker Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta, Minister of State for Tourism and Education Priya Sethi, Vice Chairman State Advisory Board For Development of Kisans Daljit Singh Chib, Member of Parliament Shamsher Singh Manhas, Legislators Sat Sharma, Ramesh Arora, Rajesh Gupta and Vikram Randhawa, Divisional Commissioner Jammu M K Bhandari, IGP Jammu Dr S.D Singh, political leader Anil Gupta besides seniors officers of various departments, students and staff of different institutions, members of civil society and prominent citizens also participated in the run which started from heritage complex Mubarak Mandi and after passing through old city areas culminated at Zanana Park.The event was organized by Jammu Municipal Corporation.
The Deputy Chief Minister administered the pledge for maintaining unity and integrity of the country and playing active role in Swacch Bharat Mission to all citizens and students present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, Dr Nirmal Singh the present face of India is the result of tremendous contributions made by Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. The occasion strengthens the spirit of oneness, peace and amity in the state as well as the nation,” he said.Pertinently, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas or National Unity Day was introduced by the Government of India in 2014 with the aim of celebrating this event every year on 31st October as a tribute to visionary leader Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.MoS, Priya Sethi while addressing the gathering said that India’s vibrant and rich culture makes India the land of diversity where peace and harmony prevails.Priya Sethi further said that the programmes like Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat which was launched by the Prime Minister on 31st October, 2016 to promote engagement amongst the people of State/ UTs in the country works towards enhancing mutual understanding and bonding between people of diverse cultures, thereby securing stronger unity & integrity of India.Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister also flagged off the marathon “Run for Unity“commenced from Satwari Chowk, and passed through Gandhi Nagar, Bikram Chowk and Tawi Bridge and culminated at the M A Stadium.