Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday flagged off Run for Unity at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
Shah wished everyone on the occasion and said that Sardar Patel is the reason for a united India and the nation would forever be grateful to him.
Expounding on the history of India’s unification, Shah said that at the time of Independence, India was divided into more than principalities by the British and the existence of a unified India was a challenge. “It was only tireless perseverance by Sardar Patel, in spite of challenges, that led to the unification of India,” Shah added.
The Home Minister asserted that Run for Unity is a way for the people of India to reaffirm our commitment to a United, strong India and a fitting tribute to Sardar Patel.
He noted that the merger of Jammu and Kashmir with India was the unresolved question of Indian unification because of Articles 370 and 35A.
It was under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the task of merging Jammu and Kashmir with India was completed by the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A. Shah called this merger the unfinished dream of Sardar Patel and added that Article 370 was the gateway of terrorism in India.
He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India has become one of the fastest growing and largest economies of the world and is well poised to become a $ 5 trillion economy by 2024. Shah called upon everyone to commit themselves to building a strong, united New India.
After his address, Shah administered the Pledge of Unity to all the participants and officials present at the venue.
