Modi remembers Sardar Patel’s contribution towards nation’s unity, launches ‘Run for Unity’,

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched the ‘Run for Unity’ marathon in which over 10,000 people participated. It was the occassion of  the 139th birth anniversary of former deputy prime minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel ‘Iron Man’. The central government declared October 31 as the National Unity Day.
The programme started with Modi paying floral tributes to Patel’s statue at New Delhi’s Patel Chowk. He was accompanied by union ministers Arun Jaitley, Venkaiah Naidu, Sushma Swaraj and Ravi Shankar Prasad amongst other leaders.The cavalcade of political dignitaries then headed to India Gate where PM Modi addressed the nation and asked the countrymen to take forward Patel’s legacy of keeping India united.

Administering oath, PM said, “I solemnly pledge that I will sacrifice myself for the unity and protection of the nation. I will also strive to spread this message amongst my fellow countrymen. I take this pledge for the unity of my nation which was attained by the hardwork of Sardar Patel. I pledge to play my part in ensuring internal security in the country. Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”