From Our Correspondent
GUWAHATI/Itanagar: Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal led the state in paying tribute to the architect of the integration of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary by taking part in ‘Run for Unity’ here on Wednesday.
On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), which is observed every year on the birthday of Sardar Patel, Sonowal joined a mammoth gathering in the ‘Run for Unity’ on Wednesday morning from Nehru Stadium to Judges Field and addressed them with a call to keep the ideals of Sardar Patel alive by reinforcing unity and harmony in the society.
“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remains an enduring icon of patriotism, nationalism and the spirit of public service. He shaped the narrative of a modern, strong and self-reliant India by facilitating the integration of princely states into the framework of federal India with his iron will and firmness”, the Chief Minister said.
Stating that the aim of the government is to transform the nation as the Vishwaguru (leader of the world), Sonowal impressed upon the people to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s legacy and take the message of unity that he espoused to every part of the society.
“We follow and share the vision of Sardar Patel. We are motivated by the ideals and values of Srimanta Sankardev, Madhavdev, Swami Vivekananda and Rabindranath Tagore. We are nurtured by the 5000 years old Indian civilization, which bestowed the human values to the world. Inspired by them all, we are committed to build a stronger and more vibrant Assam”, he said adding that no divisive forces would be allowed to foment trouble in the society.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare J.P. Nadda while taking part in the programme extolled the legacy and huge contribution of Sardar Patel to the building of the nation. He said that Patel united more than 500 princely states into the Indian nation and tackled all anti-nationals with firm hand.
Referring to the ‘Statue of Unity’, the Union Minister termed the initiative as a fitting tribute to the “Iron Man of India”, he said that Sardar Patel realised the importance of unity for India’s progress and therefore founded the Indian Administrative Service and the Indian Police Service, which are working as great unifying force in the country today.
In Arunachal, ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ was also observed in which a mini marathon, ‘Run for Unity’, was organised in various districts of the state on this occasion and Chief Minister Pema Khandu took part in it. Participating in the programme here, Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra called upon the younger generation to keep the nation’s unity intact as inherited.
Mishra urged the people to work for the unity and integrity of the country as a tribute to Patel, hailed as the “Ironman of India”.
The governor also flagged off the 11 km “Run for Unity” from the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun, organised by the state Sports and Youth Affairs department.
Mishra administered the ‘Rashtriya Eta Diwas’ pledge to the participants and expressed confidence that observing the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel will strengthen the spirit of cooperation, peace and amity in the state and the nation.
Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony after culmination of the mini marathon at Indira Gandhi Park here, the governor recalled the contributions of Sardar Patel in uniting 562 princely states with the Indian Union. Chief Minister Pema Khandu took part in the ‘Run for Unity’ in Tawang district.
The chief minister also flagged off the race for women’s and veteran’s category while taking part himself in the mens’s category. (With added inputs from PTI)