The Sardar@150 National Unity March was launched today in Anand, Gujarat by Mera Yuva (MY) Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, marking a historic beginning to the nationwide commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Setting into motion an 11-day journey covering nearly 180 km to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the launch of the National Padyatra stands as a significant milestone in advancing the message of unity and strengthening the vision of Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat across the country.

In the morning, the dignitaries visited Sardar Patel’s ancestral home in Karamsad, offering floral tributes and paying homage to the Iron Man of India. This solemn visit by Shri Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat; Dr. Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura; Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development reaffirmed the nation’s collective gratitude toward Sardar Patel’s life, values and unifying leadership. Pratima Sanman ceremonies were also conducted at key points along the route, honouring Sardar Patel’s contribution to national integration.

The inauguration ceremony at Shastri Maidan, Vallabh Vidyanagar, was graced by the distinguished presence of, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Chief Minister of Tripura, Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development; Smt. Nimuben Bambhaniya, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution; Shri Jagdishbhai Vishwakarma, State President, BJP Gujarat; Shri Ramanbhai Solanki, Minister of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Gujarat; Shri Kamleshbhai Patel, Minister of State for Finance, Government of Gujarat; Prof. Dr. Harshadbhai Patel, Vice Chancellor, Gujarat Vidyapeeth University; and Dr. Niranjan P. Patel, Vice Chancellor, Sardar Patel University and Smt. Pallavi Jain Govil, Secretary, Department of Youth Affairs, along with senior officials, youth representatives and thousands of MY Bharat volunteers. The National Padyatra commenced with immense enthusiasm as young participants from across India joined hands to honour Sardar Patel’s unmatched legacy of unity, nation-building and resolve.

The ceremony carried the special blessings of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, conveyed through a heartfelt written message encouraging the youth to participate actively in the Unity March. The Prime Minister reaffirmed that Sardar Patel’s spirit continues to guide the nation and highlighted the pivotal role of India’s young citizens in building a strong, vibrant and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The programme featured the launch of the Sardar Song. A compiled video showcased the nationwide district-level padyatras and road yatras undertaken over the past several weeks. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge was administered before the dignitaries jointly flagged off the National Padyatra at 12:00 PM.

 

 

As the padyatra moved forward from Shastri Maidan, it passed through ten thematic points across Anand district, covering 10.40 km on Day 1. Thousands of youth walked together, carrying the message of Ek Bharat – Aatmanirbhar Bharat, embodying Sardar Patel’s vision of unity, discipline and collective duty. Pratima Sanman and public outreach activities along the route further reinforced the spirit of national integration and community participation. An exhibition was also arranged at Shastri Maidan on the theme “Sardar and the Foundations of Agricultural Cooperatives,” highlighting Sardar Patel’s pivotal contribution to the cooperative movement and India’s agricultural empowerment.

 

Running parallel to the National Padyatra, the four national Pravah Road Yatras—Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada and Godavari, are progressing along their designated routes. The four Pravahs ensure representation from different states across the country. The Ganga Pravah is flagged off from Delhi, the Yamuna Pravah from Jaipur, the Narmada Pravah from Nagpur, and the Godavari Pravah will commence from Mumbai on 28th November. Padyatris from all four Pravahs will converge in Anand, Gujarat, joining the National Padyatra. These pravahs involve extensive engagement of Yuva Shakti, community outreach and cultural interactions, collectively symbolising the convergence of India’s diverse regions toward a shared message of unity.

Upon reaching the evening halt point at Navli, padyatris were welcomed with vibrant cultural expressions. The evening featured folk performances, patriotic songs, traditional music and street plays depicting Sardar Patel’s life and the unification of princely states, creating an atmosphere of pride, reflection and collective celebration. These activities strength ened community engagement and brought forward the rich cultural heritage of the region.

 

The overwhelming public response on Day 1 demonstrates the deep emotional reverence associated with Sardar Patel’s contributions to India’s unity and nation-building. Over the next several days, the National Padyatra will continue through multiple districts, organising exhibitions, Sardar Gathas, Gram Sabhas, cultural programmes and community interface activities, further strengthening the message of national harmony, social responsibility and shared purpose.

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Rini Choudhury

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