SHILLONG, Oct 31 - A Run for Unity was organised on the occasion of National Unity Day here today to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The run was flagged off by Meghalaya Governor V Shanmuganathan at State Central Library premises here.
Addressing the gathering before flagging off the run, Shanmuganathan said that the main purpose of observing National Unity Day is to instill the spirit of oneness and unity amongst the people of India and to create awareness about the contributions of Sardar Patel during India�s Independence Movement and to ensure national integration.
The Governor said that Sardar Patel is also known as the iron-man of India and was instrumental in the merger of princely states to create a modern India just after independence.
He also led the gathering in taking the National Unity Pledge to dedicate oneself in preserving the unity, integrity and security of the Nation and to strive hard in spreading the message among fellow countrymen.
The credit for the merger of over 500 independent princely states in 1947-49 from what was then a divided India to make it what it is today is due solely to Sardar Patel.
Participants from different walks of life took part in the Run for Unity. The Governor distributed cash prizes to the winners.
