The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will honour the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, by conducting ‘padyatras’ across all districts from October 31 to November 25. This initiative aims to engage the youth in fostering national unity.
On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse jointly announced the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run initiative during a press conference at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. The initiative aspires to channel the enthusiasm of young Indians toward 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 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, which will span three days in every parliamentary constituency, will cover between 8 to 10 km daily. With participation expected from all 779 districts across the nation, this event commemorates Sardar Patel’s legacy of national integration.
When questioned about how opposition-ruled states like West Bengal would participate, especially in light of recent flooding, Mandaviya asserted that the Unity Run remains a matter “beyond 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 explained.
The padyatras will feature leadership from Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament, who will be accompanied by volunteers from organizational bodies such as My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These groups will assist in coordinating logistics and maintaining cleanliness throughout the events.
A highlight of the initiative includes a special padyatra from November 26 to December 6. This specific segment will cover 152 km, starting from Karamsad in Gujarat, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, which stands as the world’s tallest statue in his honour.
Additionally, a group of 150 young leaders will have a prominent role in this significant trek. They will be selected through an interactive national-level quiz competition designed to promote awareness about Sardar Patel’s principles and contributions.
This nationwide campaign not only commemorates a historical figure but also looks to galvanize the youth and inspire collective action toward unity. It encapsulates the essence of Sardar Patel’s vision of India, fostering both historical awareness and current participation in nation-building.
