The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will kick off `padyatras` across all 779 districts in India to honor the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the nation’s first Home Minister and a key figure in India’s independence movement. This initiative, named ‘Sardar@150’, will run from October 31 to November 25.
On Monday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the initiative at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi with a clear mission to promote unity among the youth.
“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 stated.
The padyatras will span three days in every parliamentary constituency, engaging participants in activities covering 8 to 10 km daily. This nationwide endeavor champions Sardar Patel’s legacy and underlines his contributions to integrating the nation.
Mandaviya confirmed that all 779 districts will partake in these padyatras. He emphasized, “This event honors Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration.”
Addressing concerns about participation from opposition-ruled states, including flood-affected West Bengal, Mandaviya reassured that the event transcends political affiliations. “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.
Notably, Union Cabinet Ministers and Members of Parliament will lead the padyatras, supported by volunteers from organizations like My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These volunteers will play crucial roles in organizing logistics and cleanliness drives during the events.
At the national level, a special padyatra will occur from November 26 to December 6. This event will cover 152 km starting from Karamsad in Gujarat, the birthplace of Sardar Patel, and culminate at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the tallest statue in the world dedicated to him.
A cohort of 150 young leaders, chosen through a national quiz competition, will participate in this symbolic padyatra to celebrate the enduring legacy of the Iron Man of India.
