The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will honor the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and freedom fighter, by organizing padyatras across all 779 districts of the country from October 31 to November 25. This initiative, termed Sardar@150, aims to unify the nation under the legacy of Patel, encouraging youth involvement in nation-building.
On Monday, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the Unity Run at Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. Mandaviya emphasized,
“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 span three days in each parliamentary constituency, covering 8 to 10 kilometers daily. During this time, events will unfold in every district across India to celebrate Patel’s contribution to national integration.
Mandaviya further stated,
“All 779 districts of India will participate in these padyatras to honour Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration.”
The government remains optimistic about participation, even from opposition-ruled states, including West Bengal, which is currently experiencing the fallout of recent floods. Mandaviya asserted that the initiative transcends political barriers.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,” he affirmed.
Each padyatra will see the active presence of Union Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and numerous volunteers from organizations like My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These volunteers will assist in organizing logistics and cleanliness drives during the events.
A prominent feature of this nationwide campaign includes a special padyatra scheduled from November 26 to December 6. This will cover a distance of 152 kilometers from Karamsad, Gujarat, which is Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the tallest statue in the world dedicated to him.
Participating in the special padyatra will be a group of 150 young leaders, chosen through a nationwide quiz competition designed to raise awareness about Patel’s legacy and contributions.
