The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and an esteemed freedom fighter, by organizing padyatras across all 779 districts starting October 31. The events aim to foster national unity and engage the youth in meaningful nation-building activities.
On Monday at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run initiative. This initiative symbolizes a unified effort to celebrate Patel’s contributions to the nation and encourage young Indians to contribute positively to society.
“Sardar@150 is not merely a commemoration but a national movement to engage youth in nation-building. Just as Sardar Patel united over 560 princely states to forge a strong and united India, this initiative seeks to channel the energy of young Indians towards strengthening national unity,” Mandaviya stated.
The padyatras will run from October 31 to November 25, featuring three-day events in each parliamentary constituency. Participants will walk approximately 8 to 10 kilometers daily, collectively promoting awareness about Patel’s unwavering commitment to India’s unity.
“Every single one of the 779 districts in India will take part in these padyatras to honour Sardar Patel’s legacy and his unmatched contribution to national integration,” Mandaviya explained during the event.
Addressing concerns about participation from opposition-ruled states, including West Bengal, which recently experienced devastating floods, Mandaviya emphasized that the initiative transcends politics.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,” he affirmed.
The padyatras will feature prominent figures including Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, supported by volunteers from My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These groups will assist in organizing logistics and cleanliness drives throughout the events to ensure a smooth execution.
At the national level, a monumental special padyatra will occur from November 26 to December 6, covering a distance of 152 kilometers from Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, Gujarat, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. This statue, the tallest in the world, honors Patel’s lasting impact on India.
A group of 150 young leaders, selected through a national quiz competition, will participate in this symbolic padyatra, celebrating the remarkable legacy of the Iron Man of India. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering youth empowerment and preserving the ideals that guide the nation toward unity and progress.
