Gujarat Deputy CM Sanghavi flags 'Run for Unity' on Patel's 151st birth anniversary
Synopsis
On Sardar Patel's 151st birth anniversary, Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi flagged off a 'Run for Unity' in Dabhoi, invoking Patel's integration of 562 princely states and linking his legacy directly to the Modi government's Viksit Bharat 2047 vision — framing unity not as history but as an active national obligation.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi flagged off the 'Run for Unity' at Dabhoi College Ground, Vadodara on 31 October .
The event marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 151st birth anniversary and National Unity Day .
Sanghavi recalled Patel's role in integrating 562 princely states after Independence and called for a unity pledge.
He urged citizens to align with the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision and keep Patel's ideals alive beyond 31 October .
The run passed through key landmarks including the APMC , Sardar Patel's statue , and Radhe Complex in Dabhoi.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on 31 October flagged off a 'Run for Unity' at Dabhoi College Ground in Vadodara, urging citizens to carry forward Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision of national unity and align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's goal of a developed India by 2047. The event marked Patel's 151st birth anniversary and was held as part of National Unity Day celebrations, drawing students, residents, elected representatives, and government officials in large numbers.
Key Developments at the Event
The run commenced at Dabhoi College Ground and wound through the Arts and Science College, the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC), Sardar Patel's statue, and Radhe Complex, concluding back at the Arts and Science College. Before the run began, Sanghavi and other officials offered floral tributes to Patel's statue, and participants took the Unity Pledge.
Among those present were MLA Shailesh Mehta, District Development Officer Anand Patil, and Vadodara Rural Superintendent of Police Sushil Agrawal.
What the Deputy CM Said
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi emphasised that the event transcended political, governmental, or community boundaries. 'Today's programme conveys the message that we are all one,' he said.
Recalling Patel's historic role in integrating 562 princely states after Independence, the Deputy CM called on citizens to pledge that future generations would remain united and continue contributing to national development. 'On the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Saheb, let us take a resolve that all coming generations will remain united and always participate in India's journey of development,' he said.
Statue of Unity and National Pride
Sanghavi also highlighted the global draw of the Statue of Unity, built in Patel's honour, noting that lakhs of visitors — including those from countries that once ruled India — travel to the monument each year. 'It is a matter of pride for the country,' he said.
He urged citizens not to confine the spirit of the Run for Unity to 31 October alone, but to keep Patel's ideals alive year-round and work collectively toward the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' vision.
Significance and Broader Context
National Unity Day has been observed on 31 October — Patel's birth anniversary — since 2014, when the Centre instituted it to honour the architect of India's post-Independence territorial integration. The 'Run for Unity' is a nationwide fixture of the day, held simultaneously across states to reinforce the message of national cohesion. This year's edition in Dabhoi underscored the Gujarat government's continued emphasis on linking Patel's legacy to contemporary development goals.
Point of View
Or whether the ritual run is doing the heavier lifting. With National Unity Day now a decade old, the question is whether the observance has moved beyond symbolism into measurable civic outcomes.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Unity Day and why is it observed on 31 October?
National Unity Day is observed on 31 October each year to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is credited with integrating 562 princely states into the Indian Union after Independence. The Centre instituted the observance in 2014 to honour his contribution to national unity.
What happened at the Run for Unity in Dabhoi, Vadodara?
Gujarat Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi flagged off the 'Run for Unity' at Dabhoi College Ground on 31 October, on Patel's 151st birth anniversary. The run passed through the Arts and Science College, APMC, Sardar Patel's statue, and Radhe Complex, with participants also taking the Unity Pledge.
What did Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi say at the event?
Sanghavi called on citizens to carry forward Patel's vision of unity and work toward the 'Viksit Bharat @2047' goal. He emphasised that the event was not political but a collective message of oneness, and urged people to keep Patel's ideals alive throughout the year, not just on 31 October.
Why did Sanghavi mention the Statue of Unity?
Sanghavi highlighted the Statue of Unity as a source of national pride, noting that lakhs of visitors — including those from countries that once ruled India — come each year to pay respects to Patel. He used it to underscore the global recognition of Patel's legacy.
Who attended the National Unity Day event in Dabhoi?
The event was attended by MLA Shailesh Mehta, District Development Officer Anand Patil, Vadodara Rural SP Sushil Agrawal, along with a large number of students, residents, elected representatives, and government officials.
