A strong message of unity and national resolve echoed through Itanagar on Friday as Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu led the state BJP’s ‘Run for Unity’, held to mark Rashtriya Ekta Diwas commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The gathering set out at 6.30 a.m. from the BJP state headquarters at Vivek Vihar, winding its way towards Indira Gandhi Park. The large turnout of party workers, supporters and youth highlighted a renewed public engagement with Patel’s legacy and his historic role in integrating the nation after Independence.
Khandu, joined by BJP state president Kaling Moyong, Assembly Deputy Speaker Kardo Nyigyor and senior party figures, led the run as participants raised slogans celebrating national cohesion and collective progress. Party leaders said the event was part of a larger, nationwide campaign by the BJP to highlight Patel’s pivotal contribution to India’s unity.
Reflecting on the occasion, Khandu wrote on social media that it was “always a source of great energy and inspiration to be among our dedicated party karyakartas, united in the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat!” He added that he and Kaling Moyong flagged off the run “to pay tribute to Patel's efforts in unifying the country”.
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The chief minister also extended greetings to the people of the state, stating: “Warm greetings on #RashtriyaEktaDiwas! On the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, we pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, whose resolute leadership united the nation.” He urged citizens to “reaffirm our commitment to national integrity, unity, and collective progress.”
Observed across India on October 31, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is marked by marches, pledges and public engagement activities emphasising national integration, security and unity. Patel is widely remembered for bringing more than 500 princely states into the Indian Union, laying the foundation for a cohesive post-Independence nation.
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