The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced a nationwide padyatra starting on October 31 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister. This initiative aims to cover all 779 districts across the country and will run until November 25.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, alongside Minister of State for Defence, Nikhil Khadse, launched the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run during a ceremony at Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Mandaviya emphasized the initiative as a significant movement to mobilize youth towards nation-building.
“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, this initiative seeks to channel the energy of young Indians towards strengthening national unity,” said Mandaviya.
The padyatras will feature three-day events in every parliamentary constituency, with participants walking between 8 to 10 km daily. Each event will honor Sardar Patel’s immense contribution to India’s unity.
“All 779 districts of India will participate in these padyatras to commemorate Sardar Patel’s legacy,” Mandaviya stated, emphasizing the project’s inclusive nature.
When questioned about participation from opposition-ruled states like West Bengal, which has recently faced significant flooding, Mandaviya insisted that the initiative transcends political boundaries. He affirmed,
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power.”
The vibrant padyatras will be led by Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, supported by dedicated volunteers from organizations such as My Bharat, NSS, and NCC, who will assist in logistical arrangements and cleanliness drives.
A notable feature of the initiative will be a special padyatra planned from November 26 to December 6. This particular event will cover 152 km, starting from Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, Gujarat, and culminating at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the world’s tallest statue dedicated to the legendary leader.
A group of 150 young leaders, selected through a national-level quiz competition, will partake in this symbolic padyatra to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Iron Man of India. The organizers foresee this momentous event as an opportunity to instill values of unity and patriotism among participants, ensuring that Sardar Patel’s vision for India lives on.
