Chandigarh October 31: While describing the unity and integrity of the country as Supreme, Haryana Chief Minister, Mr Manohar Lal said that country occupies foremost place for all of us and everything else later.

Mr Manohar Lal was addressing the gathering at “Run for Unity” programme organized on the occasion of 144th birth anniversary of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Panchkula near here today.

The Chief Minister said that October 31 is being celebrated as ‘Rashtriya Ekta Divas’ for the last five years. He said that Sardar Patel has played a vital role in the integration of 562 princely states after the independence of the country. He said that the merger of three princely states remained incomplete after the independence out of which Sardar Patel had been successful in the merger of two princely states of Hyderabad and Junagarh as a result of his strong determination.

Mr Manohar Lal said that Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Mr Amit Shah has also shown a similar determination by abrogating Article 370 thereby making Jammu and Kashmir as an inseparable part of India and realized the dream of one Nation of Sardar Patel. The aim of this Run for Unity is to inspire all of us to remain in forefront for the security of our country, he added.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister also administered pledge of national unity and integrity of the country to youth, students of schools and colleges, sportsperson, personnel of ITBP and Haryana Police and residents of Panchkula. He also flagged off Run for Unity and also participated in the run.

Among those present on this occasion included MLA Mr Gian Chand Gupta, former MLA of Kalka Mrs Latika Sharma and other prominent personalities.