Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini flags Off ‘Run for Unity’ in Panchkula; also participates in the Run

CM reaffirms the message of national unity and integrity on the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

CM calls upon people to contribute towards building a ‘developed Haryana’ and a ‘strong and united India

Embrace Sardar Patel’s ideals to strengthen National Unity: Chief Minister

Chandigarh, October 31

Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini today paid tribute to the ‘Iron Man of India’, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on his birth anniversary and called upon the people of the state to contribute towards building a developed Haryana and a strong and united India. He particularly urged the youth to verify the authenticity of any message before sharing it on social media and refrain from spreading rumours or content that promotes discrimination. He said that even small but responsible actions by young people can go a long way in strengthening trust and harmony in society.

The Chief Minister was addressing the ‘Run for Unity’ event as the chief guest, organised at HSVP Shivalik Country Club, MDC, Sector-1, Panchkula, to mark National Unity Day on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 151st birth anniversary. Earlier, he flagged off the run and encouraged the participants by showering flower petals on them. He also participated in the run himself.

The Chief Minister said that the ‘Run for Unity’, organised with patriotic fervour and a collective commitment to the unity of India, conveys a powerful message to the entire nation that we are one and will always uphold the unity and integrity of our country.

Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said that India faced numerous challenges at the time of independence. The country was going through the trauma of Partition, while the challenging task of integrating hundreds of princely states into one nation lay ahead. As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Patel played a decisive role in integrating more than 560 princely states through his foresight, exceptional communication skills and unwavering determination. He laid a strong foundation for the unity and integrity of modern India. His life teaches us that with firm determination, honest intentions and national interest as the highest priority, even seemingly impossible goals can be achieved.

Calling upon people to imbibe the legacy of public service, discipline and dedication to duty left by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Chief Minister said that although our languages, attire and traditions may differ, our Constitution, the Tricolour and our national identity bind us together. By respecting every language and culture and standing by one another in times of happiness and sorrow, we can strengthen national unity in our everyday lives.

He said that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi has taken forward the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, inspired by the ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This initiative promotes dialogue and mutual understanding among the languages, cultures and traditions of different states, bringing people closer to one another. The 182-metre-tall 'Statue of Unity’ in Gujarat stands as a tribute to Sardar Patel’s extraordinary contribution to nation-building. It reminds us of the remarkable heights a united nation can achieve through collective effort and determination.

The Chief Minister said that service to the nation has always been a matter of pride and a glorious tradition in Haryana. Our soldiers defend the country at its borders, farmers work tirelessly in the fields, and sportspersons bring glory to the Tricolour on international sporting platforms. He said that tomorrow, November 1, Haryana will complete 60 years of its formation. On the eve of this historic occasion, everyone should resolve to contribute to the progress of the state while further strengthening the unity of the nation.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister also administered the National Unity Day pledge to the participants and other dignitaries present, urging them to uphold the unity, integrity and security of the nation.

The participants took part in the ‘Run for Unity’ with great enthusiasm and zeal. Amid patriotic songs and chants of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, youngsters and children ran with the message of preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation. The run commenced from HSVP Shivalik Country Club, MDC, Sector-1, and concluded at the Mata Mansa Devi Temple complex.

Among those present on the occasion were Rajya Sabha MP Smt. Rekha Sharma, Kalka MLA Smt. Shakti Rani Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Sh. Satpal Sharma, Commissioner of Police Sh. Pankaj Nain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Sh. Vivek Arya, Deputy Commissioner of Police Ms. Aditi Singh, BJP District President Sh. Ajay Mittal, Chairman of the Haryana Vimukt Ghumantu Jati Vikas Board Sh. Jasmer Banjara, SDM Panchkula Ms. Mannat Rana and SDM Kalka Sh. Sanyam Garg, along with a large number of participants.