Modi flags off Run for Unity in Vadodara

With this,the Gujarat Government also expedited the programme to collect iron tools from farmers across the country for Patel’s 182-metre Statue of Unity that is being constructed at Kevadia Colony in Narmada. Modi once again appealed to the farmers across the country to contribute iron tools for the statue.

“Sardar Saheb was the Iron Man,and this imagery will be used to collect iron from 7 lakh villages across the country. Sardar Saheb was a farmer,so all farmers will be asked to contribute iron tools from their farm workshop,tools they no longer use…(Sardar) worked towards uniting the country. This work is being started today. By February,this work will be taken forward. Sardar’s mantra of unity will be again revived,” he said.

Throughout his speech,Modi refrained from making any political comments.”This exercise is an effort to unite the people of the country. So please don’t measure this pious effort with the yardstick of politics. This is a work of patriotism,to unite the country,” he added.

According to Modi,the Statue of Unity will be a fitting tribute to the towering figure of unity in the country. “Sardar Sahib was the source,inspiration and embodiment of unity. That is why,to make this Statue of Unity,we have taken the mission to join all seven lakh villages of India …When we remember Gandhiji,we remember truth,non-violence,sacrifice,simplicity,and Satyagraha. Similarly, Sardar Patel stands for unity,good governance and the farmer,” he said.

Speaking on the contribution of Sardar Patel,Modi said he dedicated his life to strengthening the unity of the country,but at the same time understood the value of diversity.

“Don’t be mistaken. India’s diversity is the source of India’s strength. The diversity is not just our identity,but our tradition. There is no source of inspiration stronger than Sardar Saheb for the unity of this country,” he said.

He said unity,good governance and public participation were factors which could take India among the league of world’s superpower.

Over two lakh schools from across the country were approached to participate in the programme.

An essay competition on the meaning of unity has been held across these schools,with over 5,500 winning schools being given award worth over Rs 2.5 crore,he said.