The Sardar@150 National Unity Padyatra, being organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through its MY Bharat platform, continued its spirited journey on Day 7 today, carrying forward the nationwide commemoration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. Over the past week, the padyatra has witnessed tree plantation activities, yoga shivirs, cultural programmes, youth engagement, Sardar Gatha, Gram Sabhas, cleanliness drives and extensive community participation, covering a distance of over 93 km in its first six days. With 21.5 km covered today, the padyatra’s cumulative distance has now reached 115 km as it advances with an unprecedented spirit of jan-bhagidari.

Day 7 began with a tree plantation activity under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative at Smriti Van, where volunteers, padyatris, students and local residents enthusiastically participated. The programme was attended by key dignitaries across segments including tree plantation, padyatra, Sardar Sabha and Gram Sabha. Minister of State for Labour & Employment Smt. Shobha Karandlaje joined the padyatra this morning, followed by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, who walked with padyatris and interacted with the youth.

A major highlight of the day was the Sardar Gatha held at Sadhali, Vadodara, themed “Legacy & Revival – The Eternal Sardar.” The event witnessed the distinguished presence of Union Minister of Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, Governor of Punjab & Administrator of Chandigarh Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, and Minister of State for Labour & Employment Smt. Shobha Karandlaje.

The Sardar gatha commenced with Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya welcoming the dignitaries and highlighting the progress of the padyatra. He noted that in just seven days, the padyatra has transformed into a true vichar-yatra, with citizens, particularly farmers, offering local produce to padyatris along the way. He underlined that the initiative is part of a two-year nationwide commemoration, reflecting the deep emotional connection citizens hold towards Sardar Patel’s legacy.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel, recalling how the great leader had dedicated his life to uniting the nation and integrating the princely states. Shri Dhami affirmed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the nation is realising Sardar Patel’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, and called upon citizens to continue contributing to this national resolve.

Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, in his address, stated that Sardar Patel instilled patriotism and unity among millions, and emphasised that the unity India enjoys today—and the existence of the world’s tallest statue—is a direct result of Sardar Patel’s decisive leadership. He expressed confidence that today’s aware and patriotic youth will shape India into one of the world’s strongest nations.

Delivering the keynote address, Shri Rajnath Singh lauded the padyatris for walking 17–18 km every day, calling it a testament to their commitment to Sardar Patel’s ideals. He emphasised that the padyatra is part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to revive shining chapters of India’s unity. Shri Singh said Sardar Patel’s contributions to safeguarding India’s territorial integrity will never be forgotten, and described the statesman as an enduring source of inspiration for generations of leaders.

The Defence Minister recalled Sardar Patel’s historic role in the Bardoli Satyagraha, where women bestowed upon him the title “Sardar.” He highlighted Patel’s transformative efforts for farmers, including land reforms, and acknowledged the immense contribution of Patel in implementing Gandhiji’s vision on the ground.

The Defence Minister underscored how Sardar Patel laid the foundations of India’s strong civil services, often referred to as the “steel frame” of governance. Shri Singh also shared that India’s economy has risen from 11th position before 2014 to 4th today, and is on track to become the world’s 3rd largest in the coming years, driven by cultural, economic, social and spiritual unity. He reiterated that India is rapidly advancing towards Viksit Bharat 2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat, strengthened by Patel’s inspiration and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Following the address of the Defence Minister,  Atmanirbharta Pledge was also taken.

As the padyatra progressed, it covered the following route on Day 7:
 Kayavarohan → Sadhali Road → Timbarva → Birsa Munda Circle → Sadhali → Sadhali Bus Stand → Surasamal → Shinor → Sinor APMC.

In the evening, a vibrant Gram Sabha will be organised at Shinor APMC, featuring Nritya Natika, Local Dayro, and an exhibition themed “Sardar & Home Affairs – The Architect of Order” and “Sardar & Administration – The Iron Framework of India.”

The day’s programme also included extensive cultural performances along the route, interactions with community groups, and thematic storytelling sessions. unity and spirit of the Sardar@150 movement. With strong community participation, inspiring leadership and a renewed spirit of national unity, Day 7 reaffirmed the collective resolve to carry Sardar Patel’s message right from villages to national consciousness as the padyatra marches ahead towards Ekta Nagar.

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Rini Choudhury

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