KVIC organizes ‘Run for Unity’ at MDU Rohtak to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

Rohtak/Chandigarh, October 31, 2025: To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, a mini marathon ‘Run for Unity’ was held today at the Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak. The event was organized by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, in collaboration with the State Office Ambala, Khadi Village Industries Bhawan, New Delhi, and the MDU administration.

Chairman KVIC Manoj Kumar graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. He, along with MDU Registrar Dr. Krishna Kant Gupta, flagged off the run and conveyed the message of national unity, Swadeshi, and a self-reliant India. A large number of university students, volunteers, and local citizens participated in the marathon.

In his address, Manoj Kumar said that under the inspiring leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Khadi has transformed from a fabric into a symbol of the nation’s soul. He mentioned that the Prime Minister’s appeals such as “Vocal for Local”, “Har Ghar Swadeshi, Ghar Ghar Swadeshi”, “Garv se kaho ye Swadeshi hai”, and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” have written a new chapter in the Khadi Swadeshi Kranti. He added that Sardar Patel’s spirit of unity and Bapu’s ideals of Khadi and Swadeshi are moving forward towards “Sankalp se Siddhi”.

He also highlighted that GST reform under the Prime Minister’s leadership has been a historic step for the Khadi sector, as GST on Khadi products has been reduced to zero, directly benefiting artisans and boosting production and sales. He informed that in the financial year 2024-25, the total production of Khadi and Village Industries stood at ₹1,16,599 crore, while sales reached ₹1,70,551 crore, providing employment to nearly 2 crore people. Over the last 11 years, the sector has recorded a fourfold rise in production, fivefold rise in sales, and a 49% increase in employment, reflecting transformative socio-economic growth.

At the conclusion of the program, winners in the men’s and women’s categories were awarded medals and Khadi coupons worth ₹4,000 (first prize), ₹3,000 (second prize) and ₹2,000 (third prize).

In the Men’s Category, Mast. Parveen stood first, followed by Mast. Anish and Mast. Sahil Sindhu. In the Women’s Category, Sudha Yadav secured the top position, Vandana took second place, while Avni and Smt. Nikita jointly secured the third position.

A tree-plantation drive was also organized on the campus under the slogans “One Tree for Mother” and “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.” Officials from Rohtak District Administration and MDU, professors, representatives of Khadi organizations, artisans, students, and local residents attended the event in large numbers.