The Sardar@150 Padyatra continued its determined march across Gujarat today, covering nearly 20 km and taking the cumulative distance to 134.6 km. The day’s route followed the trajectory of Sinor - Damapura - Kanjetha - Mota Fofaliya Road - Mota Fofaliya School - Bithli - Bithali Primary School - Poicha Dham, drawing enthusiastic community participation as the padyatra commemorating the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabbhai Patel, enters its final leg toward Kevadiya.

The day began with a Tree Plantation and Pratima Samman ceremony attended by senior district representatives and community leaders, symbolising collective stewardship and widespread public involvement in the Sardar@150 initiative.

Building on the day’s enthusiasm, Shri Nareshbhai Patel, Minister of Tribal Development, Khadi, Cottage & Rural Industries, Government of Gujarat, and Shri P.C. Baranda, Minister of Tribal Development, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Gujarat, joined the padyatra, followed later by Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat, accompanied by Shri Dileep Sanghani former Minister and MP. Their participation strengthened the padyatra’s message of unity and national resolve.

 

At Mota Fofaliya School, the flagship Sardar Gatha programme was held on the theme “Sardar: Leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha.” Addressing the gathering, Shri Nareshbhai Maganbhai Patel, emphasised that the Unity March is playing a major role in shaping the unity of Viksit Bharat. He urged people across Gujarat to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel and join the mission to build a truly United, Akhand Bharat, aligning the padyatra’s spirit with Sardar Patel’s vision of national cohesion.

Following Shri Nareshbhai Patel, Governor of Gujarat, Shri Acharya Devvrat delivered the keynote address, offering a comprehensive exposition on the Bardoli Satyagraha recalling how it was fundamentally a farmers’ struggle against an unjust 22% tax hike imposed during difficult times. He narrated how the British confiscated farmers’ cattle and land, and how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, then a lawyer living a comfortable life, left everything behind to support the farmers, unite them, and guide them through the movement that earned him the title “Sardar.”

The Governor highlighted that Sardar Patel successfully reduced the tax increase burden on peasants in Bardoli, inspired people nationwide to rise against colonial injustice, and played a pivotal role, alongside Mahatma Gandhi in securing India’s independence. He further noted that unifying 562 princely states was one of the most formidable tasks of nation-building, yet Sardar Patel fulfilled it with unmatched courage and willpower. The Governor concluded by remarking that Gujarat has always been a land of great leaders (Mahapurushon) who have shaped India’s destiny.

The event also featured a striking Mallakhamb performance, adding grandeur and symbolising strength, balance, and discipline- qualities at the core of Sardar Patel’s leadership. Felicitations were presented to contributors supporting the padyatra. Later, a vibrant Gram Sabha was held at Bithali Primary School, Vadodara, where Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil addressed the gathering.
 

Building on the day’s momentum, subsequent programmes brought together even larger community participation. The day will conclude with a vibrant Gurukul Cultural Programme and Dayro at Poicha Dham, Narmada, adding spirit and community participation to the Sardar@150 National padyatra.
 

At the national level, the Sardar@150 campaign continues to register remarkable public engagement. With 641 districts covered, 1547 padyatras held across districts and Assembly constituencies, and participation from nearly 15.6 lakh citizens across 452 Lok Sabha constituencies, the movement stands as one of India’s largest people-led tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

With only three days remaining for the padyatra to reach the Statue of Unity in Kevadiya, the march now enters its most inspiring phase. As thousands continue to join along the way, the Sardar@150 Padyatra is steadily cementing itself as a powerful reaffirmation of Sardar Patel’s extraordinary legacy and India’s enduring commitment to Ekta and Rashtra Nirman.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2198326) आगंतुक पटल : 92