DIPR
Imphal, Oct. 31: Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla and Chief Minister N. Biren Singh flagged off ‘Run for Unity’, from Khuman Lampak Main Stadium today.
The run was organised as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) celebration, which commemorated the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Speaking at the occasion as the Chief Guest, Dr. Najma Heptulla said that India is proud of its diverse communities and religion, and this diversity became a unity because of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Stating that India comprised of numerous princely States earlier, Smt. Heptulla said that it was because of the Iron Man of India Sardar Patel, India became a unified country. As such, it is appropriate to celebrate his birth anniversary as the National Unity Day, the Governor added.
Remembering Sardar Patel as a dedicated lawyer, Dr. Heptulla stated that duty was of utmost importance for him.
Dr. Heptulla said that Sardar Patel kept on discharging his duty even when he was informed about his wife’s demise.
The Governor further said that she has emotional attachments to many of the frontline freedom fighters. Dr. Heptulla said these freedom fighters spent many years in jails for the independence of India, which the people of the current generation are enjoying today.
She urged the public to take a pledge to follow the ideals and path of these freedom fighters.
Chief Minister N. Biren and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Letpao Haokip were the president and guest of honour of the occasion.
In his speech, N. Biren remembered Sardar Patel as a farsighted leader, who could envision India’s potential of emerging as a leading country in the world through its unity in diversity.
The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel knew that the princely States of India would falter if they were not unified as a Nation.
Speaking about Manipur, the Chief Minister said that like India, Manipur would fall apart if its diverse communities are not unified.
Maintaining that raising unity slogan alone would not serve any purpose at this juncture, the Chief Minister observed that people should not only put in serious efforts to maintain harmony but also shun all forms of activity which may disturb unity and integrity of the State.
N. Biren opined that people should stop finding negative connotations and implications every time any group or Government speaks up or try out any initiative.
Contending that discords hamper progress and development, Shri N. Biren urged the people of Manipur to give unity and harmony a chance.
Stating that peace parleys had begun even in Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister urged all concerned to resolve all the differences and discords through talks.
N. Biren said, “We should learn to appreciate those who wish to join us, and we should also not forget to ask the reason to those who try to leave us”.
Like India’s unity is its strength, oneness would be Manipur’s strength, he opined.
Letpao Haokip said that National Unity Day celebration aims at fostering and reinforcing the country’s dedication to preserve and strengthen its unity, integrity and security.
Stating that around 600 participants would be taking part in the run, the Minister expressed hope that through this run, India would reaffirm its inherent strength and resilience to withstand the threats to unity, integrity and security.
