Arunachal Pradesh on Wednesday observed the 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' commemorating the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
A mini marathon, 'Run for Unity', was organised in various districts of the state on this occasion and Chief Minister Pema Khandu took part in it.
Participating in the programme here, Governor Brig (Retd) B D Mishra called upon the younger generation to keep the nation's unity intact as inherited.
Mishra urged the people to work for the unity and integrity of the country as a tribute to Patel, hailed as the "Ironman of India".
The governor also flagged off the 11 km "Run for Unity" from the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Naharlagun, organised by the state Sports and Youth Affairs department.
Mishra administered the 'Rashtriya Eta Diwas' pledge to the participants and expressed confidence that observing the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel will strengthen the spirit of cooperation, peace and amity in the state and the nation.
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Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony after culmination of the mini marathon at Indira Gandhi Park here, the governor recalled the contributions of Sardar Patel in uniting 562 princely states with the Indian Union.
Chief Minister Pema Khandu took part in the 'Run for Unity' in Tawang district.
The chief minister also flagged off the race for women's and veteran's category while taking part himself in the mens's category.