The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will lead a nationwide initiative to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and a key freedom fighter. The ‘padyatras’ will occur from October 31 to November 25 across all 779 districts in India, fostering a spirit of unity and integration.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya launched the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run initiative at Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Mandaviya described the initiative as a movement to engage the youth in nation-building, reminiscent of how Patel united over 560 princely states to create a strong India.
“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,” said Mandaviya.
The planned padyatras will span 8 to 10 kilometers daily within a three-day timeframe in every parliamentary constituency across the nation. The Minister emphasized the collective effort by saying, “All 779 districts will participate in these padyatras to honour Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration.”
Response from the opposition-ruled states, particularly West Bengal which is grappling with flood challenges, raised questions about broader participation. Mandaviya assured that the initiative transcends political boundaries.
“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 see participation from various prominent figures, including Union Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and also enthusiastic volunteers from organizations such as My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These volunteers will play a crucial role in organizing logistics and conducting cleanliness drives alongside the padyatras.
A highlight of the celebrations will include a special padyatra organized at a national level, scheduled from November 26 to December 6. This significant event will cover 152 kilometers from Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, Gujarat, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, which stands as the world’s tallest statue, commemorating Patel’s legacy.
Selected through a national-level quiz competition, a group of 150 young leaders will join this symbolic padyatra, reflecting the vision and mission championed by the Iron Man of India.
