'It is a good beginning to remember Sardar Patel'

The enthusiasm was palpable among the tens of hundreds who marched and sometimes ran along the broad boulevard of Rajpath Friday for the Run for Unity and most agreed that it was a good beginning to remember Sardar Patel and foster national unity.

There was Lal Baba, a sadhu in saffron who had come all the way from Vrindavan. Waving the Indian tricolour, the 70-year-old stood out in his bright hued attire as the rest of the crowed marched forward, with many in jogging track suits.

"See, I cannot run like the young people or walk fast. My knees hurt, I am old. But the idea to Run for Unity in remembrance of Sardar Patel is a good thing," Lal Baba told IANS as he stood waving the flag among the crowd.

"Our country is diverse, with so many different cultures and people. But we are united, and such events help foster the feeling of unity," he added.

There was also Hansraj Chaudhry, an octogenarian, walking down Rajpath holding the hand of his son, a serving naval officer.

"It (Run for Unity) is a good beginning. It is good that we are remembering those who helped build India, and Sardar Patel's contribution is immense. I am happy that I could participate," Chaudhry told IANS.

Was it an effort to come for the unity run so early in the morning?

"I would have gone for a walk anyway in the morning, so why not here, and for a good cause," he added smiling.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday flagged off the Run for Unity event as part of celebrations to mark the 139th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, which is to be observed every year as Rashtriya Ekta Divas or National Unity Day as a tribute to his efforts to unite India.

There were senior government officials from different ministries who joined in the march. Wearing shirts, trousers and jogging shoes, they strode down the central boulevard, letting the young students and school children overtake them.

"I am glad such an event is being held. At least the children should know about Sardar Patel and his contribution to our country's unity," said an official declining to be named.

But would it make a difference?

"It certainly will. At least the public is aware now. Earlier, no one bothered. It is good to see so many youth participating," he added.

There was also municipal employee Shabbir who was marching along with a group of his colleagues.

He, like the others, had woken up at 4 a.m. in order to arrive at their office to take the chartered bus to India Gate. Togged up in sneakers and track pants, Shabbir wished they had also been given the 'Run for Unity' T-shirts that some of the participants were wearing.

"I wish we had got those T-shirts, then it would feel like we are all part of the event," he said, looking at a group of young people wearing the shirts.

For the youthful participants, the event was more like an outing. They would break into "Bharat Mata ki Jai' at intervals, and whenever they sighted a low hanging camera, they would cheer lustily looking at the camera.

"It is a good event, it is for the country's unity," said a student, Saumya, hurriedly walking off to join her friends who were half running and walking.

Mobile cameras were in most people's hands, clicking selfies or videogaphing the event or taking group photos of friends.

(Ranjana Narayan can be contacted ranjana.n@ians.in)