Prakasam district Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju flaging off the “Run for Unity” at the Police Grounds on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
| Photo Credit: KOMMURI SRINIVAS

Prakasam district Superintendent of Police V. Harshavardhan Raju has flagged off ‘Run for Unity’ at Police Parade Grounds in Ongole on Friday to mark the birth anniversary of freedom fighter Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously known as the Iron Man of India.

The SP lauded the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s services for the integrity and unity of the nation, describing them as “truly memorable”. He urged everyone to draw inspiration from Patel’s vision and ideals, and to perform their duties with dedication.

Along with other officials and staff, he paid tributes by garlanding a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The birth anniversary is being celebrated as “National Unity Day” (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas).

Mr. Harshavardhan Raju said, “At the time of independence, the country was fragmented into numerous small princely states. Through his extraordinary willpower, foresight, and effective leadership, he played a pivotal role in integrating over 560 of these states into the Indian Union.”

Vallabhbhai Patel is credited with bringing the country together geographically, which is why he is referred to as the ‘Bismarck of India’. Following India’s independence, he was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister of the country.

“Patel envisioned that ‘unity in diversity’ is the true strength of our Indian identity; he believed that by setting aside differences based on caste, religion, or region, we should all live together in harmony as Indians.” the SP said.

Later, he led the police officers and staff to take a solemn pledge to foster a sense of unity. The police personnel vowed to dedicate themselves to preserving the nation’s unity, integrity, and security, and committed to actively spreading this message among their colleagues.

Published – October 30, 2026 08:12 pm IST