The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister and renowned freedom fighter, on October 31 with a nationwide initiative called the ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run. This initiative will feature padyatras across all 779 districts of the country, running from October 31 to November 25.
During a launch event at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Monday, Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse emphasized the purpose of the Unity Run. Mandaviya noted,
“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 event comprises three-day padyatras in each parliamentary constituency, covering 8 to 10 km daily. Mandaviya reiterated that all 779 districts will honor Sardar Patel’s memory and his unparalleled contributions to national integration.
When questioned about participation from opposition-ruled states, including flood-affected West Bengal, Mandaviya remarked that the initiative is “beyond politics.” He expressed confidence that there would be full participation, irrespective of 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 added.
Leading the padyatras will be Union Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and supported by volunteers from organizations like My Bharat, NSS, and NCC. These volunteers will help coordinate logistics and cleanliness drives during the events.
On a national scale, a special padyatra will take place from November 26 to December 6, traversing 152 km from Karamsad in Gujarat, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, the world’s tallest statue erected in his honor.
In this symbolic padyatra, 150 young leaders, selected through a national-level quiz competition, will honor the legacy of the Iron Man of India with their participation.
