The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced a grand initiative to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. From October 31 to November 25, padyatras will take place across all 779 districts of India, celebrating the legacy of the country’s first Home Minister and enduring freedom fighter.
On Monday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run initiative at the iconic Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. This initiative aims to promote national unity and harness the spirit of India’s youth.
“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 unfold in every parliamentary constituency as three-day events, covering 8 to 10 kilometers daily. This initiative will see participation from all corners of India, as Mandaviya affirmed, “All 779 districts will join these padyatras to honour Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration.”
When addressing concerns regarding participation from opposition-ruled states, notably West Bengal—which has recently faced challenging flood situations—Mandaviya emphasized that the initiative is “beyond politics.” He expressed confidence that all states would engage fully, regardless of their political affiliations.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,” he asserted.
The padyatras will not just involve ministers and parliament members; volunteers from organizations like My Bharat, NSS, and NCC will assist in logistics and cleanliness drives throughout the events. This grassroots level engagement underscores the collective commitment to national unity among today’s youth.
Moreover, a special padyatra is scheduled at the national level from November 26 to December 6, covering 152 kilometers. This will begin from Sardar Patel’s birthplace, Karamsad in Gujarat, and culminate at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the world’s tallest statue, erected in his honour.
A group of 150 young leaders, selected through a national-level quiz competition, will participate in this symbolic padyatra. Their involvement signifies a deep respect for the contributions of the Iron Man of India and motivates others to engage in the developmental narrative of the nation.
The Unity Run serves as more than a tribute; it aspires to reignite the spirit of unity and collective responsibility among Indians. Through spirited participation across the country, the initiative seeks to forge a resilient and united India, echoing the vision Sardar Patel had for the nation.