Run for Unity 2026: Pralhad Joshi, Bhajanlal Sharma flag off Jaipur run on Patel's 151st birth anniversary
Synopsis
On Sardar Patel's 151st birth anniversary, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma turned the 'Run for Unity' in Jaipur into a platform for both tribute and policy showcase — with Sharma citing 1.93 lakh government appointments, ₹1,643 crore in youth assistance, and a newly launched Mission Olympics 2028, all in a single address.
Key Takeaways
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma flagged off the 'Run for Unity' in Jaipur on 31 October 2026 , marking Sardar Patel's 151st birth anniversary .
Joshi recalled Patel's unification of more than 500 princely states and his role in forming 'Brihad Rajasthan' on 30 March 1949 .
Rajasthan has conducted 410 examinations transparently, yielding government jobs for 1.93 lakh youth; recruitment for 1.18 lakh more posts is underway.
The Yuva Sambal Yojana has disbursed ₹1,643 crore to four lakh beneficiaries .
Mission Olympics 2028 has been launched with a ₹20 crore Centre of Excellence and 50 Khelo India Centres set up statewide.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday, 31 October jointly flagged off the 'Run for Unity' in Jaipur, marking the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. A large number of young people, including several medal-winning athletes, participated enthusiastically in the event.
Tributes to the Iron Man of India
Addressing the gathering, Joshi — who holds the portfolios of Education, Food and Consumer Affairs in the Union Cabinet — said the unified India visible today is a direct outcome of Sardar Patel's visionary leadership and tireless efforts. 'His role in unifying the nation remains unforgettable,' Joshi said.
He noted that Sardar Patel united more than 500 princely states to lay the foundation of an integrated India, and that his contribution to Rajasthan was equally significant — citing Patel's key role in the creation of 'Brihad Rajasthan' (Greater Rajasthan) on 30 March 1949. Joshi also urged young people to visit the Statue of Unity at Kevadia, Gujarat — described as the world's tallest statue — drawing inspiration from Patel's life and ideals.
What the Chief Minister Said
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said Sardar Patel united the country through unwavering determination, indomitable willpower and foresight, and that despite India's diversity of languages, cultures and traditions, its national identity remains singular. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believes the strong India envisioned by Patel can be built through active youth participation.
Sharma pointed to platforms such as 'My Bharat', 'Startup India', and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana as examples of initiatives transforming young people from job seekers into job creators. He also highlighted sports movements including 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India' as pathways for talent from remote villages to reach international platforms.
Rajasthan's Youth and Employment Push
The Chief Minister detailed the state government's youth-focused record, stating that 410 examinations had been conducted transparently, resulting in government appointments for 1.93 lakh young people. Recruitment for 1.18 lakh posts is currently underway, while the process for filling more than 70,000 additional posts is set to begin shortly.
Sharma added that around five lakh young people have secured private-sector employment, approximately 3.70 lakh have received skill training, and the Yuva Sambal Yojana has distributed financial assistance of ₹1,643 crore among four lakh beneficiaries.
Sports Infrastructure and Mission Olympics 2028
On sports, the Chief Minister announced that the government had launched the 'One District-One Sport' initiative and the 'Sports Life Insurance Scheme'. Mission Olympics 2028 has also been launched to prepare athletes for the 2028 Olympic Games with world-class facilities. A Centre of Excellence is being established at a cost of ₹20 crore, and 50 Khelo India Centres have already been set up across the state.
Sharma called upon the youth in particular to follow Sardar Patel's ideals and work with a spirit of discipline, service and 'Nation First' to strengthen India. The rally drew widespread participation from youth and sporting communities across Rajasthan.
Point of View
70,000 posts in the pipeline, ₹1,643 crore distributed — signals that the BJP in Rajasthan is leaning hard on delivery optics ahead of future electoral cycles. Whether those numbers hold up to independent scrutiny is a separate question; the government has not yet cited a third-party audit. The invocation of Patel's 'Ek Bharat' vision as a frame for Modi's 'Shreshtha Bharat' is also a well-worn rhetorical device that sidesteps ongoing debates about federal autonomy and state resource allocation.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Run for Unity' and why is it held on 31 October?
'Run for Unity' is a national event held annually on 31 October to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, who is credited with unifying more than 500 princely states into independent India. The event promotes national integration and draws participation from youth, athletes, and public figures across the country.
Who flagged off the 'Run for Unity' in Jaipur in 2026?
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly flagged off the event in Jaipur on 31 October 2026. Several medal-winning athletes were among the participants.
What employment figures did Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma cite at the event?
Sharma stated that 410 examinations had been conducted transparently, resulting in government appointments for 1.93 lakh youth. Recruitment for 1.18 lakh additional posts is currently underway, and the process for over 70,000 more posts is set to begin soon.
What is Mission Olympics 2028 launched by the Rajasthan government?
Mission Olympics 2028 is a Rajasthan state initiative aimed at providing athletes with world-class training facilities ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games. It includes a Centre of Excellence being built at a cost of ₹20 crore and 50 Khelo India Centres established across the state.
What was Sardar Patel's role in forming Rajasthan?
According to Union Minister Pralhad Joshi's address, Sardar Patel played a key role in the creation of 'Brihad Rajasthan' (Greater Rajasthan) on 30 March 1949, making his contribution to the state's formation a central part of the anniversary commemoration.
