Department of Youth Affairs and Sports and its affiliate organizations namely Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) and National Service Scheme (NSS) organized Unity Runs on the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel in the year of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav in all districts across the country. Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Anurag Thakur flagged off the Run for Unity from Mohali, Punjab. Across the country, 90,122 Runs for Unity were organized by covering the distance of 95,02,109 Km with the participation of 55.32 Lakh Youth by Department of Youth Affairs, NYKS, NSS and others.

The aim was to generate awareness among citizens about the essence of national unity and inculcate the spirit of fraternity and togetherness in the midst of diversity. Also, to propagate the message among citizen and popularize the ethos of staying healthy and fit through regular physical activities such as running.

The NYKS had organised 62,418 activities which included 60,014 runs, 442 bike rallies and 1962 cycle rally. Total distance of 94,74,685 Kilometres were covered by the participants. The activities were carried out in 5333 blocks covering 61,796 villages. 18,34,217 people (12,12,088 Male and   6,22,129 Female) participated in the events. Likewise, 27,704 runs were organised covering 28,307 institutions by NSS in which 36,98,424 people (20,21,16 Male + 16,76,508 Female) participated.