Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Unity Run at Kalinga Stadium, organized by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, on the occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and National Unity Day.
In his address, the Chief Minister emphasized that unity, brotherhood, and patriotism are the strengths of a developed India. “Diversity in unity is the soul and strength of India,” he said, adding that the sense of being Indian, irrespective of caste, religion, or language, keeps the nation united and strong.
Majhi praised Sardar Patel as a great leader who unified hundreds of princely states to form an undivided India. “Today, we see India as ‘one’ due to Sardar Patel’s strong determination and vision,” he said.
The Chief Minister paid tribute to Sardar Patel’s contributions and called upon everyone to work together in a united and coordinated manner to realize the dream of a developed India. He said the Unity Run symbolizes unity, harmony, and patriotism.
Majhi recalled that the ‘Run for Unity’ program was initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, and in 2018, the 182-meter-tall ‘Statue of Unity’ was unveiled in Kevadia, Gujarat, which has become a symbol of Indian pride as the world’s tallest statue.
The Chief Minister further said the Unity Run reminds everyone that unity is a collective desire and strength. Inspired by Sardar Patel’s life, it is essential to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, peace, and prosperity, and work together to build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India.
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, in his welcome address, emphasized that the Unity Run aims to awaken the spirit of unity, harmony, and patriotism, and it is everyone’s responsibility to continuously move forward in building a strong India.
Sachin Ramchandra Jadhav concluded the event with a vote of thanks.
Notably, the Unity Run started from Kalinga Stadium and culminated at Power House Chowk, with senior officials, students, athletes, and thousands of citizens participating in the event.
