PM Modi flags off unity run from Rajpath, honors Sardar Patel - On the occasion of 140th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid rich tributes to the leader and flagged off the 'Run for Unity' event. The day is being celebrated as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' (National Unity Day).

The Prime Minister asserted that unity and harmony was the first condition if India has to move forward and attain new heights of development, speaking against the backdrop of protests by scientists, artistes and writers over alleged rising intolerance in the country after beef row, Ghar Wapsi, Dadri lynching and other incidents.

Modi criticized dynastic politics, saying it had become a nemesis of our politics and recalled that Patel never promoted any family member in political life.

"If 125 crore Indians with the mantra of unity, peace and harmony walk one step together shoulder to shoulder, then the country will move 125 crore steps in one go," Modi said.

The PM also announced that 'Ek Bharat Shreshth Bharat' scheme will be launched under which one state will choose another state each year and then promote its culture and language.