Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: The whole nation is celebrating National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Divas) today to pay tribute to former Home Minister of India and a great freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. At Jammu, to commemorate the 141st Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron man of India, Run for unity was organized at different places today.
CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, (IIIM) Jammu also celebrated the day as National Unity day by organizing run for unity marathon in which hundreds of people from all walks of life participated.
This Run for Unity marathon was led by Union Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh who was the chief guest on the occasion.
It was organized by Indian Institute of Integrated Medicines (IIIM) from its main campus, Canal road to Belicharana and back to IIIM Canal road.
Hundreds of volunteers including the staff and students of IIIM under the chairmanship of its Director Dr Ram Vishwakarma also participated in the Run for Unity.
While paying glowing tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth Anniversary, Dr Jitendra Singh described him among the towering personalities of the country who played a leading role in freedom struggle and uniting the whole India.
Terming Sardar Patel a symbol of dignity and unity of country, Dr Jitendra Singh said historians are of the opinion that merger of 500 princely States into Indian Union was not possible without his assertiveness. Sardar Patel was architect for the formation of Indian Republic, he added.
Dr Singh said Sardar Patel was known for his rectitude, conviction and quick decision making. It is a matter of vindication for all of us that after more than six decades of independence, in 2014, the Government had declared his birthday as National Unity Day, he added.
He said the run for unity was also taken out at various other places of the country.
Dr Singh said it is occasion for us to rededicate ourselves for unity and integrity of the country as cherished by Sardar Patel.
He congratulated Dr. Ram Vishwakarma and his staff for organizing run for unity besides doing world class science as this would have great impact on nation building. Besides the officials of the IIIM, social activists and prominent citizens also participated Run for Unity on the occasion.
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