Run For Unity: Home Minister Rajnath Singh flagged off the 'Run For Unity' marathon today from New Delhi on 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. On the occasion, Singh said India is known for its diversity and Patel had ensured that the country remains united with its uniqueness. While flagging off the marathon, the union minister said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been working relentlessly with the country's first home minister's objective of making India strong and keeping it united. Earlier, In his monthly 'Mann ki Baat' radio address, PM had urged the youth to participate in large numbers in the 'run for unity' being organised on October 31 to mark the birth anniversary of Patel.

In his speech, the home minister referred to the 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, known as the 'Statue of Unity', which was dedicated to the nation by Modi on Wednesday. Therefore, October 31, 2018 is also a significant day in the history. Erected on the banks of the River Narmada in Gujarat, the structure is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US. PM Modi had earlier said that this is the world's tallest statue. Every Indian will now be proud to see the world's tallest statue here on Indian soil, he added. PM had further said Sardar Patel, a true son of the soil will adorn our skies too.

Singh today said it was Patel, also know as the 'Iron Man of India', who had ensured that the country remains united with its uniqueness of diversity in religion, language and culture. He said the first home minister of the country had inculcated the spirit of nationalism across India and always believed in taking everyone along in the march towards progress.

Singh also administered the national unity pledge before flagging of the 'Run For Unity', which was participated by several thousand people. Union ministers Harsh Vardhan, R K Singh, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Hardeep Puri, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, boxer and Rajya Sabha member MC Mary Kom, gymnast Dipa Karmakar, hockey legend Zafar Iqbal and weightlifter Karnam Malleswari participated the event held at Major Dhyan Chand national stadium here.