Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and its affiliate organizations namely Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) organized Unity Runs on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel in the year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in all districts across the country. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur flagged off the Run for Unity from Mohali, Punjab. Across the country, 90,122 Runs for Unity were organized by covering the distance of 95,02,109 Km with the participation of 55.32 Lakh Youth by Department of Youth Affairs, NYKS, NSS and others.

The aim was to generate awareness among citizens about the essence of national unity and inculcate the spirit of fraternity and togetherness in the midst of diversity. Also, to propagate the message among citizen and popularize the ethos of staying healthy and fit through regular physical activities such as running.

The NYKS had organised 62,418 activities which included 60,014 runs, 442 bike rallies and 1962 cycle rally. Total distance of 94,74,685 Kilometres were covered by the participants. The activities were carried out in 5333 blocks covering 61,796 villages. 18,34,217 people (12,12,088 Male and   6,22,129 Female) participated in the events. Likewise, 27,704 runs were organised covering 28,307 institutions by NSS in which 36,98,424 people (20,21,16 Male + 16,76,508 Female) participated.

Each year on 31st October on the birthday of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, indebted Nation celebrates the National Unity Day. The observance is a fitting tribute to the great son of India who played a pivotal role in the unification of independent India. The essence and spirit of unity and its reiteration among people in general and youth in particular needs to be disseminated on a regular basis so that the coming generations not only get the feel and importance of national unity but they should also get to know the freedom fighters and leaders who made supreme sacrifices to uphold the integrity of the country.

To generate awareness and ensure maximum participation from the people in the Run for Unity, weeklong National Unity Runs commenced from 25th October 2022 which concluded on 31st October 2022 through intensive campaign and a focussed approach.

Through adequate and extensive publicity and buzz creation, maximum number of people were mobilized to make it truly a public movement with mass participation in the Unity Runs. The youth also visited the website of Ministry of Culture to go through the digital exhibition on the life of Sardar Patel.  Other activities like lectures, seminars, patriotic song presentations were organised. The dual motto of awareness generation on national unity and healthy and fit life for people is a sure and tested template for making healthy, conscientious and responsible citizens.

The occasion provided an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country with the voluntary participation of citizens from all walks of society.

Wide publicity through print, electronic, mass and social media created heightened awareness among people for the run for unity program. Pre and Post Run press releases were also issued to enhance the programme outreach. Promotional hashtag like #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav #RunForUnity were also used by District NYKs and NSS Units to create required buzz on social media platforms. NYKS and NSS Youth Volunteers and Members of Youth Clubs were instrumental and became focal points of Village Level Unity Runs and at the Colleges and schools. With a view to mobilize community particularly the young generations, these Youth Volunteers publicised the event by creating e-posters. Video messages of prominent personalities were collected and shared on social media platforms.

These Unity Runs were graced by Central/State Ministers, MP/MLAs, DM/DC, District Panchayat Pradhans Eminent personalities, social workers, Media personalities, and Sportspersons.

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NB/OA