The Sardar@150 Padyatra in Vadodara district recorded a major milestone on Day 6, achieving its longest single-day walk of 21.6 km, reaching Lingasthali in Taluka Dabhoi, Vadodara and taking the cumulative distance covered to 93.6 km. The day began with a tree plantation activity under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, under which 562 plants are being planted each day along the route at Smriti Vans, followed by Pratima Samman at Varanma village of Vadodara,  both of which saw active participation from local citizens and dignitaries. The padyatra continued to witness enthusiastic participation from citizens across rural and semi-urban stretches, reflecting the deep public resonance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s ideals of unity, discipline and nation-building.

Building on this momentum, senior dignitaries joined the padyatra during various segments of the day. Shri Harshbhai Sanghvi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Shri Arjunbhai Modhvadiya, Cabinet Minister for Forest & Environment; Science & Technology; and Climate Change, Gujarat, walked alongside participants, encouraging widespread mobilisation and community participation.

Further strengthening the narrative of national integration, the padyatra reached Menpura, where a special Sadra Gatha was organised centred on the theme “Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar”, paying tribute to the Iron Man’s decisive role in the integration of India. The programme highlighted how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, through his courage, vision and unwavering determination, unified India, from Kashmir to Hyderabad, bringing together diverse princely states into a single nation.  The Gatha session was graced by the esteemed presence of several distinguished leaders, including  Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Harshbhai Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; Shri Arjunbhai Modhwadia, Cabinet Minister for Water Resources, Transformation, Science & Technology; and Shri Trikambhai Chhaga, Minister of State, Higher & Technical Education; Shri Jashubhai Rathva, Member of Parliament; MLA, Smt. Rekhaben Mehta. The presence of these dignitaries, along with several other prominent leaders and public representatives, added significance to the event and reflected the collective commitment to honouring Sardarji Patel’s legacy.

Addressing the gathering at Sadra Gatha, Shri Harshbhai Sanghavi  reiterated the onward purpose of the 150-km march from Karamsad to Kevadiya and thanked the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya for guiding the vision of the Padyatra. Shri Sanghavi highlighted how Sardar Patel’s leadership ensured that India remained united, adding that without his resolve, “we might have needed a passport to enter Gujarat.” Further, he urged the youth to carry forward Sardar Patel’s sankalp with unity and national service in their hearts.

Continuing the reflection on Sardar Patel’s nation-building contributions, Shri Arjun Modhvadia underscored Sardar Patel’s decisive role in strengthening India’s administrative framework through services like the IAS and IPS, and recalled his simplicity and discipline. Referring to the Statue of Unity, he said it symbolises fulfilled national resolve under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and appealed to citizens to adopt a healthier, addiction-free life in the spirit of Nirogi Bharat.

Strengthening the connection between Sardar Patel’s historic efforts and contemporary governance, Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt. Governor of Jammu & Kashmir referred to the Sardar@150 Padyatra as a representation of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat and Viksit Bharat, inspired by Sardar Patel’s resolve towards national integration. Drawing a link to the present, Shri Sinha emphasised that India’s unity and progress continue to be reinforced through major reforms and public-welfare initiatives guided by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, including on key decisions such as One Nation One Tax, One Nation One Health Card, One Nation One Grid, and the citizen movement Meri Maati Mera Desh, all contributing to greater national unity and public participation.

Throughout Day 6, the padyatra advanced through a diverse route covering Trimandir (Varnama), Por – Varahi Temple, Ankhi, Fajalpur, Amber Spinex, Menpura (Dabhoi), Polyplast Company, Gayatri Temple (Kayavarohan), Kayavarohan (Dabhoi) and concluded at Lingasthali (Dabhoi). All along the route, local residents, cultural groups and community organisations extended active participation.

At Lingasthali, Ta. Dabhoi, a vibrant Gram Sabha will be organised when the yatra reaches the location. Local cultural groups will present a Nritya Natika and Dayro, reflecting strong community participation and cultural pride along the march. The Godavari Pravaah, which started from Mumbai, will also join the Yatra by late evening.

As the Sardar@150 Padyatra advances each day with unwavering spirit, it continues to draw widespread public participation across Gujarat. The Ekta Padyatra stands as a living tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring legacy, strengthening the ideals of unity, nation-building and collective responsibility. It inspires citizens to deepen their Jan Bhagidari and contribute meaningfully to the vision of a Viksit Bharat.

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Rini Choudhury

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2197072) आगंतुक पटल : 96