PM flags off 'Run for Unity', slams Cong for ignoring Patel

New Delhi, Oct 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off the 'Run for Unity' paying rich tributes to country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and slammed efforts made to undermine his contributions in nation building. "People tried to ensure the contribution of Sardar Patel is forgotten. However, the youth of India respects him and his contribution towards the building of our nation will be always cherished," the Prime Minister said before flagging off the Run for Unity organised to pay tributes to Sardar Patel - who had played a stellar role in uniting the country. However, he did not name any individual or party, but the reference was only about Congress. Mr Modi said India will be always proud of Sardar Patel's contributions and it would also continue to inspire thousands of countrymen to serve the country. "We remember Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary. We are proud of his contribution to India before we attained freedom and during the early years after we became independent," Mr Modi said. The Prime Minister said India’s teaching of unity amid diversity is relevant in the global context especially at a time when the racial fights have become the order of the day in several countries. Mr Modi also administered the 'Unity Oath' to the gathering. Among those present on the occasion included Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore and Olympiad Deepa Karmakar and other sports stars. The nation is on Tuesday observing Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) on birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. UNI