Srinagar- Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday flagged off the ‘Run for Unity’ from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar to mark National Unity Day and the eighth Foundation Day of Jammu and Kashmir as a Union Territory.

The run, which concluded at the Botanical Garden, witnessed participation from students, youth, government officials and representatives of various institutions.

On the occasion, Sinha administered the Unity Pledge to participants, who reaffirmed their commitment to national unity, integrity and security.

Speaking to reporters, the Lieutenant Governor said National Unity Day was being celebrated with enthusiasm across the country, with events organised in all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

“Today is the eighth Foundation Day of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The journey over the past eight years has been marked by development, peace and progress,” he said.

Sinha also extended greetings to the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the occasion of the UT Foundation Day.

Earlier, at Lok Bhavan, the Lieutenant Governor administered the Unity Pledge to officials, staff and security personnel and paid tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 151st birth anniversary.

In a post on X, Sinha said he had administered the pledge and paid tributes to Patel, popularly known as the Iron Man of India.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is observed on October 31 every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and recognise his contribution to national integration.