Amit Shah Flags Off ‘Run for Unity’ in New Delhi, Honoring Sardar Patel’s Legacy on National Unity Day

Shri Shah remarked on the unfortunate delay in recognizing Patel’s contributions with the Bharat Ratna and emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has worked to honour Patel’s legacy.

In New Delhi, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah officially flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ as part of National Unity Day celebrations, commemorating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on October 31. The event attracted the presence of prominent dignitaries including Union Cabinet Ministers Shri Manohar Lal Khattar and Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Nityanand Rai, and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi Shri Vinay Kumar Saxena.

Addressing the event, Shri Amit Shah highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2015 initiative to launch the ‘Run for Unity’ in honour of Sardar Patel, celebrating the Iron Man of India’s role in fostering unity across the nation. He noted that each year, the ‘Run for Unity’ serves as a reaffirmation of the country's dedication to unity, integrity, and a commitment to achieving the goal of a fully developed India by 2047.

Recognizing Sardar Patel’s Historic Legacy

Union Home Minister Shah praised Sardar Patel’s unwavering determination and swift decision-making, which he said was instrumental in uniting over 550 princely states post-independence to form a unified India. He highlighted that India’s current strength and global standing trace their roots back to Patel’s foundational efforts to create a cohesive nation, enabling India’s emergence as a strong and rapidly developing country on the world stage.

Honoring the Vision of the Iron Man of India

Shri Shah remarked on the unfortunate delay in recognizing Patel’s contributions with the Bharat Ratna and emphasized that Prime Minister Modi has worked to honour Patel’s legacy. He noted that this commitment is exemplified by the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, the world’s tallest statue, standing as a tribute to Patel’s vision for a united India. This initiative, he said, has cemented Patel’s place in national memory, inspiring future generations with his ideals and vision.

A Pledge Towards a Developed India by 2047

Shri Amit Shah called upon all citizens, especially the youth, to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s vision. He urged them to pledge to preserve and strengthen national unity and work towards Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047, a future where India stands as a global leader across all fields. The Run for Unity, he emphasized, serves not only as a physical activity but as a nationwide commitment to Patel’s ideals and a resounding call to action for every Indian.

This year’s ‘Run for Unity’ highlights India’s dedication to upholding unity and striving for a future filled with growth, peace, and resilience, inspired by one of its most influential leaders.