Sindhu, Mithali may take part in Run for Unity

Badminton champion P V Sindhu, cricketer Mitali Raj and hockey star Sardar Singh are likely to participate in the 1.5 km 'Run for Unity' (from National Stadium to India Gate) here on Tuesday as the country celebrates Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's birth anniversary.

The government has made elaborate plans to celebrate 'Rashtriya Ekta Divas' to honour Patel on his 142th birth anniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the country in paying tributes to Patel.

Modi will offer floral tributes at Patel Chowk followed by administering pledge and flagging off the 'Run for Unity'.

Officials said the run will be organized by experienced coaches from Sports Authority of India.

In his 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday, Modi mentioned the role played by Patel in laying the foundation of the country's unity. He also urged people to participate in the run.

State governments, central ministries and Public Sector Units will also organise 'Run for Unity', digital exhibitions and drawing competitions. Railways will put up hoardings with messages of Patel at its stations.

States will organise functions at respective capitals and the ministry of youth affairs and sports is coordinating with local administrations to organise functions in 623 districts. The ministry of human resource development is organising functions in the Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalayas.

ministry of Railways will organize functions at 1,500 railway stations while ministries of Steel, Power, Labour, Tourism and Housing and Urban Affairs will organize functions in various Tier-1/2/SMART and AMRUT cities and tourist spots.

Rashtriya Ekta Divas is being organised to reinforce the government's dedication to preserve and strengthen unity, integrity and security of the nation, an official statement said.