Modi flags off 'Run for Unity' in Vadodara

"This is an effort to fulfil the dreams and aspirations of all Indians. Please do not view it from prism of politics," he said.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani flagged off the run in Ahmedabad. He said the event was a true tribute to Patel and praised the people for turning up in large numbers.

While in Vadodara, Modi said, "Gujarat has moved ahead due to spirit of peace, unity and 'sad-bhavana'."

Gujarat government is building a gigantic statue of Sardar Patel -- 'Statue of Unity' -- which it claims would be the world's tallest statue -- on Sadhu Bet in Narmada river.

The run will also start a campaign for collection of iron from all over the country for the statue.

It is being organised simultaneously in 1,100 places, and lakhs of people are expected to participate. .

Paying rich tributes to Patel, Modi said, "Sardar Patel devoted his life to unify the nation. He integrated the common people in the freedom struggle and made efforts to rid the nation of the colonial mindset. He undid the mindset of divisiveness and united the nation.

"When we remember Gandhiji we remember truth, non-violence, sacrifice, simplicity, Satyagraha; when we remember Sardar Patel, we remember Ekta, Surajya and Kisan (unity, good governance and the farmer)," he said.

Saying that India's diversity was its strength, the Gujarat Chief Minister added: "Our diversity is not something that is on paper. It is the manifestation of our strength. It is not only our identity but also our tradition."

"Good governance" was the need of the hour, said Modi, BJP's candidate for Prime Minister, in an apparent potshot at Congress-led UPA government.

The run comprises 5 km, 15 km and 21 km distances.