The Sardar@150 National Unity March continued its inspiring journey on Day 2 through Anand district today, led by Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, with thousands of youth and citizens participating to honour the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reinforce the message of Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The day began with a Yog Shivir at Napad, held before the padyatris set out on the route for the second day, where MY Bharat volunteers, padyatris, students and local residents came together for a guided yoga session promoting wellness and collective harmony. The early morning programme set an energising momentum for the long day ahead.

Following the Yog Shivir, padyatris moved to Smriti Van to participate in “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam,” a symbolic plantation activity aimed at encouraging environmental consciousness. The Padyatra then advanced along its designated 15.7 km stretch, moving from Napad Bus Stop through the Anand–Umeta Road, Khadol and Asodar, before proceeding to Mujkuva and onwards to the Anklav Bus Station. MY Bharat Volunteers  remained deployed along the entire route to facilitate coordination, hydration support and crowd movement, ensuring a safe and seamless experience for all participants.

 

A major highlight of Day 2 was the Sardar Gatha organised at Asodar – ITI Anklav on the theme “Sardar: Gandhi’s Steadfast Companion.” The inaugural session for Sardar Gatha featured Deep Pragtya (lamp lighting) and followed by a ‘Sanman Samaroh’ to honour local contributors, including artisans and workers.

Present on the dais were Shri R. N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel, Union Minister of State for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Shri B. L. Verma, Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food & Distribution, and Social Justice & Empowerment, and Smt. Darshana Jardosh, Minister of State, Government of India, along with senior officials from the district and state administration.

Addressing the gathering, Shri R. N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, paid homage to Sardar Patel’s iron resolve and unwavering nation-first spirit. He recalled Operation Sindoor and Dharm Dhvaj as exemplary demonstrations of India’s leadership, unity of purpose and civilisational strength, echoing the essence of Sardar Patel’s vision for a united nation. Shri Ravi further emphasised that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat@2047 vision requires the sankalp of every citizen, and that a developed India can only be realised when every citizen must uphold their duty and commitment with utmost sincerity. His remarks were met with enthusiastic chants of “Jai Sardar”, adding energy and patriotism to the gathering.

 

At the Anklav Bus Station, an exhibition themed “Sardar as Mayor – Building Modern Ahmedabad” was inaugurated showcasing rare archival insights into Sardar Patel’s early leadership in civic governance and his pivotal role in modernising Ahmedabad, thereby offering a deeper understanding of his administrative vision.

The day will conclude with a Gram Sabha at Ankalav Bus Station, followed by a traditional Dayro featuring local folk music and storytelling that celebrates Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage. The evening gathering aims to foster a deep sense of community bonding among padyatris, local residents and volunteers.

The Sardar@150 National Unity March forms a key part of the nationwide commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Through padyatras, cultural programmes, exhibitions and youth-led initiatives, MY Bharat and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports continue to inspire citizens across the country to reflect on Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy of unity, nation-building and administrative excellence. As Day 2 draws to a close, the march moves forward with renewed vigour and collective resolve, preparing for Day 3, which will commence from the Hare Krishna Temple, Anklav, and proceed towards Aarana Lawns, Sevasi. The padyatris look ahead with enthusiasm to another day of meaningful engagements, public participation and the continued celebration of Sardar Patel’s timeless ideals.

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Rini Choudhury

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