Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday kickstarted nationwide celebrations marking the 144th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as ‘National Unity Day’ from the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, Gujarat.

Ahead of his address, PM Modi paid tributes to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity. He then administered the pledge to all the people present, marking the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

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Beginning his address, PM Modi said the Statue Of Unity, which is the tallest in the world, inspires the entire nation.

Modi then thanked the citizens for their participation in “Run For Unity” events held across the country on the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas.

“‘Run for Unity’ program is being held in different cities and villages across the country today. I thank every citizen for participating in this program. India is known for ‘unity in diversity’, it is our pride and our identity,” he said.

PM Modi also lauded the abrogation of Article 370, as Jammu and Kashmir ceases to exist as a state from today. He said Sardar Patel’s dream of unifying the country has been fulfilled with the historic move.

He was the stalwart who unified India.

A leader of farmers, a great administrator and uncompromising when it came to safeguarding rights of the poor, India will always remember Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution.

Paid tributes to him at the ‘Statue of Unity.’ pic.twitter.com/t900IoQh4W

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2019

Following the address, PM Modi visited the Police Technology Exhibition in Kevadia, where he is expected to interact with civil service probationers.

Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi visits Police Technology Exhibition in Kevadia, Gujarat. pic.twitter.com/4v2ONOMAqa

— BJP (@BJP4India) October 31, 2019

President Ram Nath Kovind and Union Home Minister Amit Shah also paid tribute to Sardar Patel in Delhi. In the capital, Shah flagged off the “Run for Unity” marathon with boxing champion Mary Kom handing over the flag.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off ‘Run For Unity’ in Lucknow.

Modi in his 27 October Mann Ki Baat broadcast over All India Radio had exhorted people to take part in large numbers in the ‘Run for Unity’ with the goal of making ‘Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat’.

Since 2014, October 31 is observed as the National Unity Day and people from all walks of life participate in the ”Run For Unity”.

“This day imparts the message to protect the unity, integrity and security of our country at any cost. On 31st October, this year too ‘Run for Unity’ is being organised like the previous years. ‘Run for Unity’ is a symbol of unison, that the nation being united, is moving in one direction and collectively aims for –One goal! Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat!” a PMO note quoting the Prime Minister said.

Modi has been underlining the importance of a ‘Fit India’ and a united India in his various public interactions. Appealing to the people to take part in the run of unity the PM said doing so would not only be good for mind, body and soul but also reflect the spirit of a ‘Fit India’.

The Prime Minister said by participating in the run for unity ‘we also find ourselves connected with Ek Bharat- Shreshtha Bharat! And so, not just our body, but our mind and value system get integrated with ushering unity in India to take India to loftier heights!”