Jaipur: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ in Jaipur to mark the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of young people, including several medal-winning athletes. The programme highlighted Sardar Patel’s contribution to national unity and the role of young people in nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Joshi said the united India seen today was the result of Sardar Patel’s vision, historic contribution and tireless efforts. He said Patel’s role in bringing the country together remained unforgettable.
The Union Minister also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government was working towards fulfilling Patel’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat’ through the idea of ‘Shreshtha Bharat’.
Pralhad Joshi Highlights Sardar Patel’s Role in Unifying India
Joshi recalled that Sardar Patel brought more than 500 princely states together, laying the foundation for an integrated India.
He also highlighted Patel’s contribution to the formation of Rajasthan, particularly the creation of ‘Brihad Rajasthan’ on March 30, 1949.
Referring to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat, Joshi said the world’s tallest statue was a fitting tribute to Patel and reflected his commitment to national unity and integrity.
He urged young people to visit the monument and draw inspiration from the life and ideals of the Iron Man of India.
Bhajanlal Sharma Highlights Employment and Skill Development Initiatives
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said Sardar Patel united the country through his determination, strong willpower and foresight. He added that despite India’s diversity of languages, cultures and traditions, the country remained united by a common national identity.
Sharma said Prime Minister Narendra Modi believed that the strong India envisioned by Patel could be built through the active participation of young people.
He highlighted initiatives such as ‘My Bharat’, ‘Startup India’ and the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, saying these programmes were creating opportunities for young people to contribute to nation-building and become job creators.
The Chief Minister also referred to ‘Khelo India’ and ‘Fit India’, saying these initiatives were helping sporting talent from even remote villages reach international platforms.
He said the Rajasthan government was focused on providing young people with quality education, transparent recruitment, modern sports facilities and better skill development opportunities.
Rajasthan CM Shares Recruitment and Employment Figures
Sharma said the state government had introduced several initiatives, including the Youth Policy, the new Employment Policy and the State Skill Policy.
Sharing recruitment figures, he said 410 examinations had been conducted transparently in the state, leading to government appointments for 1.93 lakh young people.
Recruitment for 1.18 lakh posts is currently underway, while the process to fill more than 70,000 additional posts will begin soon.
He further said around five lakh young people had secured jobs in the private sector, while approximately 3.70 lakh had received skill training.
Under the Yuva Sambal Yojana, financial assistance of Rs 1,643 crore had been distributed among four lakh beneficiaries, he added.
Rajasthan Government Focuses on Sports Ahead of 2028 Olympics
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state’s efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and support athletes.
He said the government had launched the ‘One District-One Sport’ initiative and the ‘Sports Life Insurance Scheme’. ‘Mission Olympics 2028’ has also been introduced to provide athletes with world-class facilities and prepare them for the upcoming Olympic Games.
A Centre of Excellence is being established at a cost of Rs 20 crore, while 50 Khelo India Centres have also been set up across the state.
Sharma urged people, especially young citizens, to follow Sardar Patel’s ideals of discipline, service and putting the nation first.
The event concluded with enthusiastic participation from young people and athletes, who joined the run to mark the birth anniversary of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister.