The Sardar@150 National Padyatra, envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as part of the two-year nationwide celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, advanced with renewed enthusiasm on Day 9, moving from Vadodara to Narmada district in Gujarat advancing  by 14.2 km. The day’s route, which takes the cumulative distance to 149 km, passed through Narkhdi, Jesalpor, Bid, Rasela, Bhadam, STP, Kalagoda Circle Rajpipla, and finally Rajpipla (Purani Cricket Academy).

The morning unfolded with a meaningful tree plantation under the Ek Ped Maa ke naam campaign at Smriti Van, symbolising collective responsibility toward environmental stewardship and aligning with Sardar Patel’s vision of sustainable nation-building. After this, as the Padyatra reached Bhadam, following this green initiative, the Padyatra received a unique cultural welcome as the Siddis, an African-origin tribe settled in Gujarat, felicitated the Yatra with an energetic traditional performance, showcasing the state’s inclusive heritage.

 

The Gram Sabha was graced by the esteemed presence of Shri Harsh Malhotra, Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs and Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways; Shri Ishwarsinh Patel, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Water Resources and Water Supply; Shri Rushikesh Patel, Minister of Energy & Petrochemicals, Panchayat & Rural Housing, and Parliamentary Affairs; Smt. Rivaba Jadeja, Minister of State for Primary, Secondary and Adult Education; and Shri Rameshbhai Katara, Minister of State for Agriculture, Cooperation, Animal Husbandry and Cow Breeding. The dignitaries also paid Pratima Samman to Sardar Patel at Bhadam, offering their tribute to the Iron Man of India.

Following the Pratima Samman, the dignitaries shared their reflections on Sardar Patel’s legacy and its relevance today. Shri Rushikesh Patel highlighted in his address, that although many princely states willingly acceded out of devotion to Bharat Mata, Sardar Patel worked tirelessly to unite all 562 princely states, accomplishing what had once been deemed impossible in the history of nation-building. He noted that despite attempts by certain political historians to sideline or diminish Sardar Patel’s contributions, his towering legacy remains unshakeable in the nation’s consciousness. Shri Patel added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revived, restored, and honoured this legacy, strengthening the message of unity through initiatives like the Sardar @150 Padyatra, which continues to inspire a collective resolve toward Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

Shri Harsh Malhotra, addressing the gathering, noted that Sardar Patel’s vision for a united India was also reflected in the Jammu & Kashmir question. He stated that although Sardar Patel was prevented from resolving the issue during his lifetime, leading to the imposition of Article 370, the vision he set in motion did not remain unfulfilled. “From Sardar Patel to PM Modi, The vision of a unified India stands complete,” he affirmed, highlighting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, walking in Patel’s footsteps, accomplished what Patel could not by removing Article 370 and fully integrating Jammu & Kashmir with the rest of India. He further emphasised that initiatives such as Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and the promotion of Swadeshi are propelling India toward a developed future, strengthening the resolve to make Bharat a Viksit Rashtra by 2047.He expressed gratitude for being part of the historic Sardar Padyatra, calling it a mission that strengthens India’s march toward Viksit Bharat.

Building on these reflections on national integration and patriotic resolve, the programme moved into an emotional moment of gratitude and recognition as senior citizens, freedom fighters, and artisans who contributed to the construction of the Statue of Unity were felicitated. Their contributions symbolised the living continuum of commitment to Sardar Patel’s ideals. The gathering then rose in unity to take the Atmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, reaffirming collective responsibility toward nation-building, as chants of “Jai Sardar” and “Jai Garvi Gujarat” resonated through the surroundings, energising the atmosphere with pride and patriotic spirit.

As the Padyatra progressed towards Rajpipla where the Sardar Gatha was organised. Centred on the theme “Sardar – The Social Reformist”. The event was attended by several distinguished leaders, with Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Bihar joining the dignitaries present earlier.

Delivering the keynote address, the Governor of Bihar reflected deeply on India’s civilizational ethos and the unparalleled unifying legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Highlighting the extraordinary nature of Sardar Patel’s statesmanship, he noted that uniting 562 princely states without shedding even a drop of blood had been considered nearly impossible, yet Sardar Patel achieved it with resolve, wisdom, and unmatched national commitment which will remain a lesson for generations. Drawing a spiritual parallel, he observed that Sardar Patel embodied the spirit of Adi Shankaracharya in the political realm, working tirelessly to unify the nation. Reflecting on India’s collective response during the COVID-19 pandemic, he remarked that Bharat stood united in its vaccination efforts, a testament to the enduring legacy of leaders who championed unity, including Adi Shankaracharya and Sardar Patel.

The Cultural evening featured a vibrant local Dayro, and an exhibition titled “Legacy & Revival – The Eternal Sardar,” all of which portrayed Sardar Patel’s lasting contributions to social harmony, national integration, and administrative foresight. These performances offered a bridge between the grassroots participation experienced earlier in the day and the broader historical narrative celebrated in Rajpipla.

Day 9 of the Sardar @150 National Padyatra reaffirmed the spirit of unity, community participation, and cultural pride that Sardar Patel envisioned for the nation. With enthusiastic public engagement across villages, reflective discussions, and vibrant cultural showcases, the Yatra continues to inspire citizens to revisit and uphold the values of national integration and collective responsibility. As the Padyatra advances deeper into Narmada district in the coming days, it is poised to strengthen this message further, carrying forward the timeless legacy of the Iron Man of India and reinforcing the resolve to build a more united, self-reliant, and harmonious Bharat.

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RC

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