Panchkula. Haryana Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ program organized in Panchkula on the occasion of National Unity Day on Saturday, October 31. A large number of people enthusiastically participated in this program organized to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. While paying tribute to Sardar Patel, the Chief Minister gave the message of strengthening the unity, integrity and social harmony of the country.
Addressing the program, Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini greeted the people of the state on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He welcomed the participants of the race and said that the life of Sardar Patel inspires patriotism, determination and national unity.
Recalling the contribution of Sardar Patel, the Chief Minister said that his role in uniting the country after independence has been historic.
The program started at 6:30 in the morning
On the occasion of National Unity Day, ‘Run for Unity’ program was organized from Shivalik Country Club located at Mata Mansa Devi Complex, Panchkula.
The scheduled time of the program was 6:30 am. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the race by flagging off the participants.
The objective of this event was to strengthen the feeling of national unity among the citizens and to raise awareness about the contribution of Sardar Patel.
Programs related to National Unity Day were also organized by the state government in various districts of Haryana.
This time the message of the events was that the whole of Haryana is running united with the resolve of national unity.
Remembered the contribution of Sardar Patel
Chief Minister Naib Singh Saini, in his address, mentioned the life of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his contribution in building independent India.
He said that Sardar Patel’s strong leadership and dedication towards the nation still inspires the countrymen.
Sardar Patel is called the ‘Iron Man of India’. After independence, he played a decisive role in the integration of the princely states of the country.
He carried forward the process of national integration with political foresight and strong will.
The Chief Minister said that it is the responsibility of all citizens to strengthen the unity and integrity of the country by taking inspiration from the ideals of Sardar Patel.
Appreciation of Prime Minister Modi’s efforts
During the program, the Chief Minister also mentioned the efforts made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honor the memory of Sardar Patel.
Referring to the ‘Statue of Unity’ established in Gujarat, he said that Prime Minister Modi has given special respect to the contribution of Sardar Patel by building the world’s tallest statue.
The Statue of Unity, located in the Narmada district of Gujarat, is a 182 meter high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
This statue is considered a symbol of his contribution to nation building and the unity of India.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of passing on the memory of Sardar Patel to the new generation.
Special importance of National Unity Day
National Unity Day is celebrated every year on 31 October in India.
This day is an occasion to reiterate the resolve towards the unity and integrity of the country to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Sardar Patel was born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat.
He played an important role in the freedom movement. He led movements against British rule by organizing farmers and common citizens.
After independence he faced the challenge of unification of the Indian Union.
Runs, oath-taking, cultural and awareness programs are organized across the country to remember their contributions.
His 151st birth anniversary is being celebrated this year.
Initiative to connect youth with national unity
The aim of ‘Run for Unity’ is not just to organize a race but also to connect the youth and citizens with the importance of national unity.
Through such programs the message is given to the people that despite language, religion, culture and regional diversities, the unity of the country is paramount.
Haryana government also tried to increase participation of citizens through this event.
The participants in the program expressed respect for Sardar Patel and gave a message of unity.
The Chief Minister said that for the development and progress of the country, it is necessary for all sections of the society to work together.
Programs in districts of Haryana also
On the occasion of National Unity Day, it was planned to organize programs like ‘Run for Unity’ not only in Panchkula but also in other district headquarters of Haryana.
The state government had instructed the district administration to make preparations for the event and ensure participation of citizens.
The aim of this initiative was to spread the ideas of Sardar Patel and his contribution towards the country to a wider level.
Emphasis was laid on making the youth, students and common citizens understand the importance of national unity through programs organized in various districts.
Changes in traffic arrangements due to the program
In view of the organization of ‘Run for Unity’ in Panchkula, temporary changes were also made in the traffic system.
Traffic restrictions were imposed in the morning on some roads around Shivalik Country Club and Mata Mansa Devi Temple complex.
According to the traffic advisory issued, there is a possibility of vehicular movement being affected on some routes related to the program from 5 am to 9 am on Saturday.
