The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, on October 31, with padyatras taking place across all 779 districts of the country. This initiative, termed ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run, aims to engage youth in nation-building and encourage a sense of unity among diverse communities.
On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the initiative at Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Mandaviya emphasized the importance of this national movement, stating,
“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.”
The padyatras will run from October 31 to November 25. Each parliamentary constituency will host three-day events, with participants covering 8 to 10 km daily. “All 779 districts of India will participate in these padyatras to honour the memory of Sardar Patel and his unparalleled contribution to national integration,” Mandaviya added.
Regarding participation from opposition-ruled states, especially West Bengal, which faces challenges due to recent floods, the Minister clarified that the padyatras are “beyond politics.” He expressed confidence that the initiative will see full participation, regardless of the ruling party, stating,
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power.”
The padyatras will be led by Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, alongside dedicated volunteers from organizations such as My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These volunteers will help organize logistics and ensure cleanliness during the events.
On a larger scale, a special padyatra is scheduled from November 26 to December 6, covering 152 km from Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, Gujarat, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, which is recognized as the world’s tallest statue built in his honour. This segment aims to further engage the youth and promote the historical significance of Patel’s legacy.
Additionally, a group of 150 young leaders, selected via a national-level quiz competition, will join this symbolic padyatra. Their participation highlights the importance of educating the younger generation about the unparalleled contributions of the Iron Man of India to nation-building.
This nationwide Unity Run not only aims to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but also seeks to inspire a new generation of leaders committed to the values of unity and integrity that he steadfastly championed.
