Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: Hundreds participated in the Run for Unity taken out in Jammu city today in connection with commemoration of birth anniversary of former Home Minister of India and a great freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as Rashtriya Ekata Divas.
At Jammu the Run for Unity was led by Minister of State in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh who was the chief guest on the occasion. It was organized by Indian Institute of Integrated Medicines (IIIM) from its complex, Canal road to Fourth Tawi bridge, Bhagwati Nagar and back to IIIM Canal road.
Hundreds of volunteers including the staff of IIIM under the chairmanship of its Director Dr Vishwakarma also participated in the Run for Unity.
The Run for Unity was organized simultaneously at the same time here when it was led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at New Delhi.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh paid glowing tributes to Sardar Patel and described him among the towering personalities of the country who played a leading role in freedom struggle and unity of India.
He said on the issue of Kashmir Sardar Patel’s approach marked clarity. Had he been given a free hand by the then Prime Minister to deal with the issue , the State of J&K would have not gone through all these controversies it has gone over the years, he added.
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 65 years of independence Government has declared his birthday as national unity day, he added.
He said the run for unity was also taken out at Hyderabad, Chennai, MP and other places of the country by the Science and Technology Department.
Dr Singh said it is occasion for us to rededicate ourselves for unity and integrity of the country as cherished by Sardar Patel.
In response to a question whether the martyrdom day of former Prime Minister Mrs Indira Gandhi which falls today was overlooked by present Government, Dr Singh said by observing the day of Sardar Patel present Government is not undermining any one as Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes in commemorating all freedom fighters of India.
He said the Government is officially observing 125th anniversary of first Prime Minister, Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru. This Government wants to set an example that the legacy of Indian politicians should not become subservient to party politics, he added.
Besides the officials of the IIIM, social activists and prominent citizens also participated run for unity on the occasion.
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