‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’: Odisha CM Flags Off ‘Run for Unity’ Marathon, Administers Oath

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government organised ‘Run for Unity’ Marathon in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday ahead of the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the marathon from Kalinga Stadium during the programme organised by Sports and Youth Services department.

The Chief Minister himself took part in the run after administering the oath of ‘unity in the country’. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Ministers of different departments, MPs, MLAs and the Chief Secretary also attended the event.

More than 2000 people from different sports organisations and students of various schools also ran in the marathon.

The birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is observed every year on October 31 as ‘Rashtriya Ekata Dibasa’. ‘Run for Unity’ programmes are organised every year on the occasion.

However, as the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is coinciding with the festival of Diwali this year, ‘Run for Unity’ programmes are being organised today, October 29.

“Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had played a great role for the unity and integrity of the country. By getting inspired by Sardar Patel’s ideology, we have to move forward to strengthen the country further,” said CM Mohan Majhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier urged people of the country to participate in ‘Run for Unity’ programmes in maximum numbers and along with the mantra of unity of the country, spread the mantra of fitness everywhere.