On the 150th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister and Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a wave of enthusiasm and patriotism was witnessed across the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel’s statue at Sardar Patel Park in Hazratganj, Lucknow, on Wednesday morning. On this occasion, he recalled Sardar Patel’s contributions to national unity and integrity, stating that Patel’s role in uniting the nation into one thread is unforgettable.
CM Yogi said that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, October 31 has been celebrated every year as ‘National Unity Day’, which has been strengthening the spirit of patriotism and unity among the youth.
Flagged Off ‘Run for Unity’
Chief Minister Yogi flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ from the Patel statue at GPO to the KD Singh Babu Stadium. A large number of school students, NCC cadets, police personnel, citizens, and party leaders participated in the run.
State BJP President Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Finance Minister Suresh Khanna, and several senior leaders were also present on the occasion. Special security and traffic arrangements were made at and around the event location.
On this occasion, CM Yogi wrote on his social media post, “Salutations to the great freedom fighter, Iron Man, and ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. His ideals continue to inspire the vision of ‘One India, Best India’.”
Statewide Programs; Police Also Organised Run
‘Run for Unity’ events were organised at district headquarters across the state on Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary. School children, social organisations, and local citizens participated enthusiastically. UP Police also organised runs between 7 AM and 10 AM in all districts, covering a distance of 1 to 1.5 km, with police personnel, administrative officers, and citizens taking part.
Mass Participation in Bagpat
A ‘Run for Unity’ event was also held in Baraut town of Bagpat, where hundreds of students and police personnel ran holding the national flag. The entire area echoed with slogans like “Unity Forever” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai.”
Message of Unity and National Spirit
The aim of the events was to reinforce the resolve toward unity, national spirit, and the integrity of the country. The celebrations sent a clear message that Sardar Patel’s vision of ‘One India, Best India’ remains a major source of inspiration, and in the times to come, this public consciousness will further strengthen the path of development and national pride.
