The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has initiated a nationwide campaign to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and a leading figure in the freedom struggle. The campaign, featuring ‘padyatras’ across all 779 districts, will commence on October 31 and run until November 25.
This initiative, known as ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run, aims to engage the youth in nation-building, according to Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya. The launch took place at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, attended by Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse.
“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 remarked.
The padyatras will occur within each parliamentary constituency and cover 8 to 10 km daily across the 779 districts, showcasing collective remembrance of Patel’s contributions to India’s sovereignty and unity.
Mandaviya underlined the intent to foster widespread participation, including from opposition-ruled states. Despite challenges, such as flooding in West Bengal, he assured the event transcends political divisions.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,” Mandaviya stated.
High-profile leaders will spearhead the padyatras, including Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament. The government will rely on the assistance of volunteers and organizations like My Bharat, NSS, and NCC to manage logistics and cleanliness.
A special national-level padyatra is scheduled from November 26 to December 6, spanning 152 km from Karamsad, Patel’s birthplace in Gujarat, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. This statue stands as a testament to Patel’s legacy as the ‘Iron Man of India’.
In a unique touch, a group of 150 young leaders will participate in this symbolic padyatra, chosen through a national-level quiz competition designed to celebrate Patel’s enduring impact on the nation.
