‘Run for Unity’ held in Telangana to mark Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary

Hyderabad: Telangana marked the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a state-wide ‘Run for Unity’ on Friday. The event celebrated the enduring legacy of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and ‘Iron Man of India’.

In Hyderabad, the run began at the statue of Babu Jagjivan Ram near Basheer Bagh and ended at Sardar Patel’s statue in Public Gardens, near the Assembly. The event echoed the national message of “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat” (One India, Great India), honouring Patel’s key role in unifying the nation.

BJP leaders pay tribute to Patel’s legacy

Addressing participants, Telangana BJP President N. Ramchander Rao called Patel the “architect of national unity.” He emphasised that the ‘Run for Unity’ symbolised core values such as patriotism, unity, and public service.

He also reminded the audience of Patel’s decisive leadership in integrating more than 560 princely states after Independence. Specifically, he highlighted the 1948 ‘Police Action’ that brought Hyderabad into the Indian Union.

Modern leaders upholding Patel’s vision

Drawing a parallel to present-day governance, Rao said Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were continuing Patel’s legacy. He credited them with safeguarding India’s integrity and leading efforts against terrorism and extremism. Furthermore, he pointed to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat — the tallest in the world as a powerful reminder of Patel’s enduring influence.

Prominent figures participate in the Unity Run

Several senior BJP leaders and public representatives joined the event in Hyderabad. Notable participants included Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy, Rajya Sabha MP Ashish Shelar, BJP OBC Morcha National President Dr. K. Laxman, and MPs Etela Rajender and Konda Vishweshwar Reddy.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment to Sardar Patel’s vision of a united and resilient India.