On the occasion of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and National Unity Day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the “Run for Unity” at Kalinga Stadium, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister stated that unity, brotherhood, and patriotism are the true strengths of a developed India. Emphasising the significance of harmony in diversity, he remarked, “Unity in diversity is the soul and strength of India.” Regardless of caste, religion, or language, we are all Indians; this sense of belonging keeps the nation united and makes it stronger, he said.
ଏହି ଅବସରରେ, ଦେଶର ଏକତାକୁ ଦୃଢ଼ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ଆୟୋଜିତ 'ଏକତା ଦୌଡ଼' (Run for Unity) କାର୍ଯ୍ୟକ୍ରମରେ ମଧ୍ୟ ସାମିଲ ହୋଇ ଯୁବପିଢ଼ି ଓ ଜନସାଧାରଣଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଭାବନାକୁ ଜାଗ୍ରତ କରିବାର ସୁଯୋଗ ମିଳିଲା। ମୁଁ ଆଶା କରେ, ସର୍ଦ୍ଦାର ପଟେଲଙ୍କ ଆଦର୍ଶ ଆମ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ଏକତା ସୂତ୍ରରେ ବାନ୍ଧି ରଖିବ। pic.twitter.com/O3Nz1sqceG
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) October 31, 2025
Chief Minister Majhi paid rich tributes to Sardar Patel, describing him as a great leader who integrated hundreds of princely states into one nation, thus laying the foundation for a united India. “It is because of Sardar Patel’s unwavering determination and farsighted vision that we see India as one today,” he highlighted. He urged everyone to work collectively and in a spirit of unity to realise the dream of a developed India at the earliest. “This run symbolises the essence of unity, harmony, and patriotism,” he added.
Referring to the national initiative, Majhi recalled that in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the “Run for Unity” campaign, and in 2018, unveiled the 182-metre-tall “Statue of Unity” in Kevadia, Gujarat, now the world’s tallest statue and a global symbol of India’s pride and integrity.
Highlighting the message of the event, the Chief Minister stated, “This run reminds us that remaining united is our collective will and strength. Inspired by the life of Sardar Patel, we must strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, peace, and prosperity, and together build a prosperous Odisha and a developed India.”
On this occasion, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj delivered the welcome address, stating that through this run, people will rekindle the spirit of unity, togetherness, and patriotism, moving steadily towards the vision of a strong and vibrant India. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Principal Secretary Sachin Ramchandra Jadav.
Notably, the unity run began at Kalinga Stadium and concluded at Power House Square, with enthusiastic participation from senior officials, students, sportspersons, and thousands of citizens.
