The Union minister announced the launch of the Sardar@150 Unity March, a nationwide campaign led by MY Bharat to commemorate the Sardar’s enduring legacy.
Photo: ANI
Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya, along with his deputy Raksha Khadse, Monday announced the launch of the Sardar@150 Unity March, a nationwide campaign led by MY Bharat to commemorate the Sardar’s enduring legacy.These are nationwide initiatives aimed at fostering national pride, strengthening the spirit of unity, and deepening civic engagement among the youth through commemorative and participatory programmes.
The initiative, spanning two months, seeks to inspire unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among youth, honoring Sardar Patel’s legacy of uniting India and encouraging them to embody the ideals of ‘Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in daily life.
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The year 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. To honour his legacy, the Union government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will observe two year-long celebrations starting from 2024 – 2026, to commemorate Sardar Patel’s monumental contributions to the country.
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Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Jan Bhagidari in Rashtranirman, through MY Bharat, the Viksit Bharat Padyatras, are being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The campaign underscores the pivotal role of the you, particularly the Amrit Peedhi, in the nation-building process and serves as a tribute to the timeless contributions of India’s great leaders.
Addressing the media at the event in New Delhi, Dr Mandaviya said the Sardar@150 Unity March is not merely a commemoration but a national movement to engage youth in nation-building and advance the vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He urged the youth to imbibe the ideology and spirit of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in their lives and emphasised that the Sardar@150 Unity March would be “by the youth and for the youth”, with all preparations and arrangements led by young volunteers from NSS and MY Bharat.
Drawing inspiration from Sardar Patel’s role in uniting over 560 princely states to forge a strong and united India, he said, ”Today’s youth must come together to build a Viksit Bharat, spreading the message of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” through this padyatra.”
He also expressed the confidence that on the occasion of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, every young Indian would draw inspiration from his life and leadership, carrying forward his vision of a strong and self-reliant India.
Various activities are being undertaken in each phase starting from District to National level, and are aimed at reaching for maximum engagement.
During Phase one: the digital phase of the Sardar@150 Unity March begins on October 6, 2025, with activities such as Social Media Reel Competitions, Essay Writing, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Program Quiz for youth aged 15–29.
There will be the district-level padyatras, from October 31 to November 25. In the run-up to these padyatras, activities such as health camps, Swachhata drives, lectures on the life and vision of Sardar Patel, youth debates on unity and nation-building, and a collective pledge for a drug-free India will be organised. Volunteers from MY Bharat, NSS and NCC will play an active role in supporting these activities. Retired civil servants, athletes, prominent scholars will be invited to be a part of this initiative at district level.
During the padyatra days, participants will pay tribute to statues and portraits of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and take the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge. Cultural performances celebrating the theme of Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat will be organised, followed by the distribution of participation certificates.
The National-level padyatra will begin on November 26, Constitution Day, and conclude on December 6, 2025. This historic padyatra will cover 152 km commencing from Karamsad, the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and culminate at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Dr Mandaviya will take part in this padyatra.
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