The Sardar@150 Unity March, one of the most sweeping and the largest youth-led nation-connect initiatives in recent years, marked a significant milestone today with the Sardar Gatha programme in Narmada district. Organised as part of the national padyatra commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, the event celebrated Patel’s unmatched role in unifying India and shaping the nation’s federal spirit.

Anchored in the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” the Unity March seeks to carry forward Sardar Patel’s message of national integrity, disciplined citizenship, and collective responsibility toward nation-building. At a time when India is deepening its social, economic, and strategic strength, the padyatra, spanning districts across the country, has become a symbol of rising national self-confidence, cultural pride, and renewed civic participation.

Speaking at the gathering, Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Minister of State (I/C) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Education, Government of India, underlined the central role of young citizens in carrying forward Patel’s legacy. He said, “Sardar Patel gave India its unity; today, India’s youth are giving strength to that unity. Their participation in this padyatra shows a nation confident in its identity and committed to progress. This journey is not just a tribute to the Iron Man—it is a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to build a stronger, more self-reliant India.”

Shri Chaudhary also paid a heartfelt tribute to Sardar Patel at the Statue of Unity, underscoring the resolve of the nation’s leadership to uphold his enduring ideals of unity and national strength.

During the event, local citizens were honoured for their contributions to community development, and the participants took the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, symbolically reinforcing the ideals of self-confidence and nation-first commitment. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation of youth volunteers, MY Bharat members, and local communities.

The Sardar Gatha event also witnessed the gracious presence of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister for Coal and Mines and Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region.

Additionally, Dr. Jayrambhai Chemabhai Gamit, Minister of State of Sports, Youth Services and Cultural Activities, Coordination of Voluntary Organisations, Industries, MSME, Salt Industries, Printing and Stationery, Tourism and Pilgrimage Development, Civil Aviation, GoG; Smt. Darshnaben Vaghela  Minister of State of Urban Development and Urban Housing, GoG; Shri Rameshbhai Katara  Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Cooperation, Animal Husbandary and Cow Breeding, GoG; Shri Pravinbhai Mali  Minister of State of Forests and Environment, Climate Change, Transport, GoG and Shri Anil Kumar, Minister for Schience and Technology department, Govt of Uttar Pradesh  were present on the occasion.

With participation from lakhs of people across states and union territories, the Sardar@150 Unity March has grown into a mass movement combining cultural outreach, environmental responsibility, youth leadership, and community service. Led by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and MY Bharat, the campaign has already covered 640 districts, completed 1,500+ padyatras, and engaged 15.5 lakh participants through exhibitions, tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, and awareness programmes.

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SH/IS