The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, through MY Bharat, an autonomous body under the ministry, is organising the Viksit Bharat Padyatras, an initiative designed to foster national pride, deepen civic engagement, and strengthen the spirit of unity among youth through commemorative and participatory programmes. In line with the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of Jan Bhagidari in Rashtra Nirman, this initiative brings together every stakeholder, from youth to veterans, in a shared act of remembrance. It reinforces the role of youth, especially the Amrit Peedhi, in nation-building and pays homage to the contributions of India's national leaders.

As part of this initiative, on October 6, 2025, the Ministry announced the launch of the Sardar@150 Unity March, a Government of India initiative led by MY Bharat to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. This nationwide initiative aims to awaken the spirit of unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among India's youth while honouring the legacy of the leader who united a fragmented India into One Nation. Through this campaign, young people are encouraged to adopt the ideals of Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat in their everyday lives and civic engagement.

Launch of Digital Phase:

On 6th October, Hon'ble Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, digitally launched the campaign on the MY Bharat portal. This phase includes a social media reel competition, an essay writing contest, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Program. Under this program, 150 winners will get the opportunity to participate in the National Padyatra.

Campaign Phases: The Sardar@150 Unity March will be held in following phases across the country:

1. District-level Padyatras (October 31 - November 15, 2025):

1. 8-10 Km long padyatra will be undertaken for a period of 3 days covering all the 31 districts of Karnataka in each parliamentary constituency.
2. Before the Padyatra, various pre-event activities will be organized in schools and colleges to build awareness and enthusiasm among the local communities. These will include essay and debate competitions, seminars on the life of Sardar Patel, and street plays (nukkad nattaks).
3. Alongside these, Nasha Mukt Bharat pledges will be administered among the youth, and institutions will host Swadeshi fairs, where participants will also take the "Garv Se Swadeshi" pledge. Additionally, yoga and health camps and cleanliness drives will be conducted in the area.
4. During the Padyatra, participants will pay floral tribute to statues or portraits of Sardar Patel, take the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge, and engage in cultural performances and certificate distribution ceremonies.

2. National March (November 26 - December 6, 2025):

1. A 152 km march from Karamsad (Sardar Patel's birthplace) to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia
2. As a part of the pre - event, social developmental activities will be undertaken in all the villages enroute of the padyatra where MYB, NSS, Young leaders will take part
3. At 150 stops along the route, exhibitions on the life of Sardar Patel and celebrations showcasing India's diverse culture will be organized.
4. Every evening, Sardar Gatha sessions will be held where renowned scholars narrate the life and achievements of Sardar Patel.

All registrations and activities are being conducted via the MY Bharat Portal: https://mybharat.gov.in/pages/unitymarch . Youth across the country are encouraged to register and actively participate in this historic initiative.

 

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