Chandigarh: Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini on Saturday urged youngsters to verify the authenticity of messages before sharing them on social media and refrain from spreading rumours or content promoting discrimination, saying responsible digital behaviour was essential to maintaining social harmony.Addressing the ‘Run for Unity’ event in Panchkula on the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Saini called upon people to contribute towards building a developed Haryana and a strong, united India. The chief minister flagged off the run at HSVP Shivalik Country Club in MDC, Sector 1, and participated in it. The event was organised to mark National Unity Day, commemorating the birth anniversary of the country’s first deputy prime minister, popularly known as the Iron Man of India.Saini said even small but responsible actions by young people could go a long way in strengthening trust and harmony in society. He said the Run for Unity conveyed a powerful message that the country would always uphold its unity and integrity.Recalling Patel’s contribution to nation-building, Saini said India faced the daunting challenge of integrating hundreds of princely states after Independence, amid the trauma of Partition. Patel, through his foresight, determination and communication skills, played a decisive role in integrating more than 560 princely states, laying the foundation for a united India. “His life teaches us that with firm determination, honest intentions and national interest as the highest priority, even seemingly impossible goals can be achieved,” the chief minister said.He called upon people to imbibe Patel’s ideals of public service, discipline and dedication, adding that despite differences in languages, attire and traditions, the Constitution, Tricolour and national identity bound the country together.Saini said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had taken forward Patel’s vision through the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ initiative, which promotes mutual understanding among states. He also cited the 182-metre-tall Statue of Unity in Gujarat as a tribute to Patel’s contribution. Highlighting Haryana’s role in nation-building, the chief minister said soldiers, farmers and sportspersons continued to uphold the state’s tradition of service and dedication.He said Haryana would complete 60 years of its formation on November 1 and urged people to resolve to accelerate the state’s progress while strengthening national unity.
