‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ to honor Sardar Patel’s legacy in Gujarat

To mark the 150th birth anniversary of India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Gujarat government has announced a state- and national-level campaign titled “Sardar@150 Unity March,” aimed at inspiring citizens and youth with the life, ideals, and vision of the architect of national integration.The announcement came following a high-level meeting held in Gandhinagar on Friday, chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and attended by Gujarat State Home Minister Harsh Sanghvi along with senior state officials.
Addressing a press conference after the meeting, Sanghvi said the initiative seeks to familiarize the younger generation and citizens with Sardar Patel’s unparalleled contribution to building an undivided India and to spread his message of unity and nation-building.Under this campaign, district-level Unity Marches will be organized across Gujarat between November 1 and 10, 2025, followed by a national-level march from November 26 to December 6, 2025.The national march — covering 152 kilometers — will begin from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Anand district, and conclude at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Narmada. Invitations have been extended to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, athletes, artists, and Padma awardees to participate in this grand event.“Each district-level march will run continuously for three days, covering 8 to 10 kilometers each day,” said Sanghvi. “They will be led by state ministers, MPs, and MLAs, and joined by students, NCC and NSS cadets, youth organizations, and members of the public.”
The ‘Sardar@150 Unity March,’ described by Sanghvi as a “campaign by youth, for youth,” will include cultural and social activities during the marches — such as yoga sessions, health camps, art competitions, lectures on Sardar Patel’s life, and pledges for a ‘Drug-Free India.’MLA Jitubhai Vaghani said that the roads during the march will showcase a “Mini India,” representing the nation’s rich diversity and embodying the spirit of ‘One India, Great India.’As part of the broader celebration, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya digitally launched the campaign on October 6, introducing online initiatives such as a social media reel competition, essay writing contest, and the ‘Sardar@150 Young Leaders Program Quiz’ on the MY Bharat portal for youth aged 15–29.A total of 150 winners from these competitions will be selected to join the national march from Karamsad to Kevadia. “These are not just competitions but a way to spread Sardar Patel’s thoughts and ideals among India’s youth,” Sanghvi emphasized.Highlighting Sardar Patel’s role in uniting over 562 princely states to form independent India, Sanghvi said the Unity March represents a continuation of the legacy that began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment — fulfilled through the creation of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.

(State Correspondent)