- As a part of the celebration for Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav Pays tribute to the original ironman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel
Milind Soman India’s fitness guru, actor and legendary style icon had embarked solo for The Unity Run to celebrate 75th Year of India’s Independence. He has successfully completed the run in 8 days. The Unity Run presented by Union Bank of India was flagged off from Mumbai on August 15, 2021 and concluded at The Statue of Unity at Sardar Sarovar Dam, Kevadia on 22nd August 2021. Ultraman and barefoot runner, Milind completed the entire distance of 420 kms on foot.
The Unity Run is sponsored by Union Bank of India – Principal Sponsor, Apis Himalaya Honey – Powered by Sponsor, Fitbit India – Official Fitness Partner, SO GOOD – Beverage Partner, CARRERA EYEWEAR – Sun Protection Partner, Evergreen Club App – Wellness Partner, Fujifilm – Imaging Partner and Figaro Olive Oil – Healthy Cooking Oil Partner.
Milind Soman, commenting on the Unity Run presented by Union Bank of India said, “Finally, it’s a touchdown at the Statue of Unity. Quite an intense and exhausting run in more ways than one. To sum it up, heavy rainfall flooded roads, harsh sun, high fever and all kinds of ups and downs. What has made The Unity Run extremely special and memorable is the love and support I have received from the various runners groups who ran enroute along with me and the hospitality offered by our various partners especially Union Bank of India and the general public at large.
Running more than 400 kms in a week is a challenge that I like to take up every few years, just to check my fitness level. I don’t train for it. The Unity Run was also a post Covid challenge for me, to check if I have fully recovered. This time it was tougher as I did not have enough sleep in the week before the run, owing to a night film shoot. Three days into the run, after two days of torrential rain and one day of blistering humidity, at around 170km, I developed acute bronchitis as my immunity was low. The fever went up to 104. The doctor suggested a day of complete rest, due to which I wasn’t able to complete the mileage for a day and a half. Even by the last day i was not able to make up the mileage, so ended with a few km less. The silver lining was that I recovered so quickly in just one day, running 50km per day again. The cause that I speak about was inspired by our response to the pandemic, as the Prime Minister says, we can defeat any danger to ourselves and our country, if we are unified as citizens. For this unity to become a reality, we need to actively make an effort to understand and accept each other, to live in peace and harmony. The Unity run was also an example of human capability, and for people to think about taking some time for themselves every day, even if it’s for a few minutes, to focus on their physical and mental health.
Milind Soman paying tribute at The Statue of Unity after completing the Unity Run along with the UBI team
Reaching The Statue of Unity and paying tribute to the original ironman Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was truly an overwhelming and a humbling experience. The statue is magnificent and its sheer magnitude took away almost all the fatigue of the last 8 days. Overall I had a fantastic time and I sincerely hope that the message of unity, peace and harmony continues to spread far and wide through such endeavours bringing people only closer. I hope the Unity Run will inspire many to take care of themselves by focusing on their fitness and health.”
Union Bank of India is privileged to have associated with ‘The Unity Run’ as part of the Azadi Ke Amrit Mahotsav and truly appreciate the efforts taken by Milind Soman and the team who completed the run yesterday despite all odds. “It symbolizes peace, harmony and agility amongst one and all. The run reinforces our philosophy that during these tough times, we all need to put up a brave front by taking care of our health by remaining physically fit. We also saw many local people cheering and joining the run on the way for some time which shows that we must always remain positive in our outlook and do what we can to stay healthy physically as well as mentally. We hope that everyone continues staying fit and gives health top priority. We thank all our Customers as also our Employees, various Administrative Authorities and all the people who associated with the Unity Run on the journey from Mumbai to Statue of Unity, Vadodara.”
Pankaj Mishra, CEO, Apis India Limited said, “It’s a cheering moment for all of us, Team Apis is Extremely happy and overwhelmed seeing the Success of the event and hence, would like to extend our gratitude towards everyone who made this possible. Our Heartiest congratulations to Milind Soman for completing the 8 days Run of 420 kms and finally touching down to Statue of Unity. Apis India is 100% committed to provide everyone the best quality Products and we look forward to many such associations that impeccably help us showcase our Philosophy and believes.”
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
