Bhubaneswar: ‘Run For Unity’ was organised by Nehru Youth Centre here Wednesday to mark the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Hundreds of youngsters of the Capital city were seen enthusiastically participating in the run held between Railway Stadium to East Coast Railway Auditorium.
The event was flagged off by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and attended by people from various walks of life.
Pradhan administered oath to the participants in spirit of unity which was possible due to the foresightedness of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “I solemnly pledge to assure the internal security of my country and ensure my contribution towards it,” said Pradhan, who also took the pledge.
Similar events were also organised at various places across the state. A four-tonne sand sculpture by renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik pulled crowd at Puri beach.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also paid tributes to the Iron Man of India saying, “His contribution towards integrating India into a powerful nation will always be remembered.”
In the national capital, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, Home Minister Rajnath Singh and a host of dignitaries offered floral tributes to Patel on his birth anniversary.