Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Day 5 of Sardar@150 Padyatra Witnesses Collective Listening to Mann Ki Baat; PM Modi’s Message Inspires Youth and Citizens
“MODI — Making Of Developed India”: Shri Venkaiah Naidu Praises India’s Decade of Progress During Sardar Gatha
“Sardar Patel Is My Life's Inspiration”: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya
Vadodara Welcomes Sardar@150 Padyatra With Enthusiasm as the March Collectively Covers 72 km in Gujarat
प्रविष्टि तिथि:
30 NOV 2025 6:36PM by PIB Delhi
The Sardar@150 Padyatra in Gujarat entered its fifth day today, reaching the city of Vadodara, and witnessing enthusiastic public participation across a series of activities including tree plantation, cleanliness drives, cultural programmes, Sardar Gatha and a Gram Sabha. The padyatra has now collectively advanced 72 kilometres, continuing its journey of spreading Sardar Patel’s message of national unity and civic responsibility.
The day began with Yog at Aurobindo Ashram, followed by planting of saplings under Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam led by Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women & Child Development; Shri Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; and Shri Surendra Singh Nagar, Rajya Sabha MP. The plantation drive under the theme “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” drew wide community involvement, symbolising collective responsibility towards environmental preservation.
The route for Day 5 extended from Aurobindo Ashram through Navlakhi Ground, Khanderao Market Cross Road, Kirti Stambh, Pratima Pushpajali (FTE College), the Vadodara city stretch, Bhartiya Vidya Bhavan, Makarpura Bus Point, Jambuva (IDEAL School), Alamgir (Hanuman Temple) and Babariya College (KPGU), finally concluding at Trimandir, Varnama.
A major highlight of the day was when dignitaries and padyatris came together to listen to Mann Ki Baat, in which Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi emphasised the importance of fitness, discipline, and collective well-being.
A notable feature of the day was the cleanliness drive, wherein MY Bharat volunteers and padyatris undertook Swachhata activities along the entire route. Carrying waste-collection bags, they cleaned public areas, markets and streets, encouraging citizens to join the effort and spreading awareness on civic responsibility.
The Sardar Gatha, organised at Jambuva – IDEAL School, focused on the theme “Sardar Gatha – The Architect of Modern India.” The specially curated exhibition, “Sardar & Labour Union – Voice of the Workers,” showcased Sardar Patel’s pioneering role in strengthening labour rights, uniting worker movements, and shaping organisational reforms that laid the foundation of India’s modern administrative framework.
The programme was graced by the presence of Former Vice President of India Shri Venkaiah Naidu; Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya; Smt. Annpurna Devi, Union Minister for Women & Child Development; and Shri Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament. Several other prominent leaders and public representatives were also present on the occasion.
Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya shared his reflections on the nationwide celebrations and emphasised that the padyatras are carrying forward the inspiring spirit of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, reminding citizens of Sardar Patel’s message of self-reliance, harmony and national integration. He also remarked that “Sardar Patel is the inspiration of my life,” highlighting the enduring influence of the Iron Man of India on his own commitment to public service. He further shared that on Day 5, the Padyatra crossed the Vadodara metropolitan region and reached its final halt for the day, where the people of Vadodara welcomed the participants with tremendous enthusiasm. He added that the Ekta Padyatra will culminate at Ekta Nagar, marking a symbolic and historic tribute to the Iron Man of India.
Following the address of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Shri Venkaiah Naidu remarked that though retired, he is “not tired,” as he is inspired by the timeless legacy of Sardar Patel. He urged the youth to study the lives of India’s great leaders, from Sardar Patel to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and draw motivation from their discipline, courage and commitment to nation-building.
Shri Venkaiah Naidu further lauded the government’s efforts in organising the padyatra, highlighting that India’s rise is driven by unity, collaboration, and visionary leadership. He said, “Under Narendra Bhai, the nation’s progress over the past decade reflects the idea I once expressed: MODI — Making Of Developed India.” He emphasised that India today stands confidently among global powers, including the United States and China. Commending the New Education Policy for promoting Indian knowledge systems, he reiterated the spirit of India’s cultural harmony, stating, “Alag bhasha, alag vesh, fir bhi apna ek desh.”
He also congratulated Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for building a marvel, stating that the Statue of Unity stands today as a symbol of national pride, inspiring every citizen with Sardar Patel’s towering legacy. Highlighting its significance, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that the Statue of Unity is the nation’s pride, representing India’s unity, resolve and visionary spirit.
The evening Gram Sabha at Trimandir, Varnama witnessed vibrant cultural performances depicting the life and contributions of Sardar Patel. A Nritya Natika and Dayro performance further enriched the evening, drawing enthusiastic engagement from citizens.
As the Sardar@150 Padyatra continues, it stands as a living tribute to Sardar Patel’s legacy, inspiring communities to embrace his ideals of discipline, unity, and dedicated service while strengthening participatory citizenship across the nation.
*******
Rini Choudhury
(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2196588)
आगंतुक पटल : 88