The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of India’s first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, by organizing ‘padyatras‘ across all districts of the country. This significant event, titled ‘Sardar@150’, launches on October 31 and runs through November 25, engaging millions in a celebration of national unity.
Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse officially launched this initiative at New Delhi’s Dhyan Chand Stadium on Monday. They emphasized that this initiative aims not only to remember Patel but also to inspire a new generation of citizens.
“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, occurring in each of India’s 779 districts, will cover 8 to 10 kilometers daily over a three-day event in every parliamentary constituency. Mandaviya stated, “All districts will participate to honor Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration.”
This initiative promises to foster unity among youth and communities regardless of political affiliations. In response to questions regarding participation from opposition-ruled states like West Bengal, currently facing flood challenges, Mandaviya reassured citizens that the movement transcends politics.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,”
he emphasized.
Padyatras will not only feature participants from various sectors but also involve volunteers from My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These organizations will play crucial roles in logistics and cleanliness efforts during the events.
Additionally, a notable national-level padyatra will take place from November 26 to December 6, encompassing 152 kilometers from Karamsad in Gujarat, where Patel was born, to the magnificent Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the tallest statue in the world honoring his legacy.
A special group of 150 young leaders will partake in this symbolic padyatra, selected through a national-level quiz competition. This initiative aims to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Iron Man of India, fostering patriotism and unity among the youth.
