Modi flags off night marathon at Surat

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged-off night marathon — ‘Run for New India’ on Sunday evening at the diamond city Surat and asked people to resolute on working collectively to make India global power.

Over the past few years, India’s importance has increased in the world but at the same time the nation need to overcome its weaknesses to become global superpower, said the Prime Minister during his speech at Lalbhai Contractor Stadium.

“For the creation of new India we need to work on making India free from the poison of casteism and religious conflicts. Eradication of poverty and corruption should be our priority to give equal opportunity to youngsters. Respect for women and job opportunities for all coupled with cleanliness awareness are the need of the hour,” said Modi adding that our freedom fighters dreamt for united strong India which we can create working collectively.

People make the nation and not any political leader, Government or political party, he said adding that in 1942 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi ‘Quit India’ movement initiated and within five years, British had to leave India, likewise if we resolute to make the nation powerful by 2022, our country would definitely become what we desired. In the year 2022, the India will celebrate 75 years of its freedom.

Congratulating the organisers for hosting such huge marathon in large number of people participated, he said that on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel (31st October) there would be ‘Run for Unity’ programmes and Surat could set a world record of largest participation on that day.  He also insisted people of Surat to practice Yoga, to create a world record of largest participation on the World Yoga Day on June 21 this year.

Meanwhile, entire Surat city, especially the roads from Surat airport to the routes where Modi remained present were decked up with colorful lights, theme pavilions and posters. In the 13 pavilions erected on the strategic locations along the route of marathon different Central and State Governments schemes portrayed in interesting manner. Surat MLA Harsh Sanghavi who is playing important role in organising the event said that more than 1.50 lakh participants would run in different categories.