Sardar Patel Jayanti: PM Modi flags off 'Run for Unity'

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Tuesday, paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 142nd birth anniversary, the day which the union government is observing as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

President Ram Nath Kovind and Home Minister Rajnath Singh also paid tributes to the Iron Man of India. PM Modi arrived at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi, from where he flagged off 'Run for Unity' on Sardar Patel's birth anniversary.

https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/925164321671282688

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had earlier written to the Chief Ministers and others for organising events to administer a pledge, run for unity and march past on the occasion.

"The government observes Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' on October 31 as a special occasion to foster and reinforce the government's dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity, and security of our nation," an official statement said.

Rajnath Singh had chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the event. The meeting was also attended by Union Ministers Sushma Swaraj, Smriti Irani, Piyush Goyal, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Mahesh Sharma, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, and Hardeep Singh Puri, apart from Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba and senior officers.

The march past will be held by Central Armed Police Forces and Delhi Police at their respective grounds.

International badminton player P.V. Sindhu, woman cricketer Mitali Raj and hockey player Sardar Singh will participate in a run at the India Gate on the occasion.

The run will be organised by the Sports Authority of India coaches.