Entering its final phase, the Sardar@150 Ekta Padyatra advanced along the route from Rajpipla to Garudeshwar, continuing its outreach to communities as part of the nationwide commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The march continued to attract participation from citizens, youth groups, cultural organisations and dignitaries.

The padyatra commenced with Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam at Smriti Van, where dignitaries and Padyatris jointly planted saplings. The initiative reaffirmed the ekta yatra’s emphasis on sustainability, community participation and collective responsibility.

As the padyatra progressed, over 200 padyatris from the Sabarmati Pravah joined the march. Their participation, along with that of a Garba dance group, added to the cultural engagement witnessed throughout the route.

When the padyatra reached Bhanandra Chokdi, the Adivasi community of Navoday Gram Vikas Trust, Nanidevru Pan, Narmada District, welcomed the participants with their traditional Holi dance, a cultural practice performed annually across several villages. The presentation highlighted the region’s tribal heritage and its longstanding cultural traditions.

Following this, the Sardar Gatha was convened in the esteemed presence of Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister for Coal and Mines; Shri Jayant Chaudhary, Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Education; Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for Education & Development of North Eastern Region; Shri Anil Kumar, Minister for Science & Technology, Uttar Pradesh; Gujarat Ministers Shri Rameshbhai Katara, Smt. Darshnaben Vaghela, Shri Pravinbhai Mali, Dr. Jayrambhai Gamit; and Members of Parliament Shri Mansukhbhai Vasava, Dr. Raj Kumar Sangwan, and Shri Chandan Chauhan. The leaders shared their reflections on Sardar Patel’s nation-building contributions and emphasised their continued relevance in guiding India’s progress towards Viksit Bharat.

Shri G. Kishan Reddy stated that the Sardar@150 march reflects the country’s commitment to unity and national integration. He underscored that unity contributes to strength, development and self-reliance, and noted that the confidence with which India’s youth engage on issues of unity and development stems from Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring legacy.

Shri Jayant Chaudhary reiterated Sardar Patel’s decisive role in the unification of India, and emphasised that the country’s diversity and youth remain key components of its strength. Referring to the Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat, he called upon citizens to contribute meaningfully to national development. He observed that the Sardar@150 Ekta Padyatra is effectively spreading awareness and encouraging youth participation across communities.

Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, in his address, emphasised the importance of national unity and stated that India’s integrated structure today stands on the foundation laid by Sardar Patel. He noted that while Patel accomplished his task of unifying the nation, the responsibility of further strengthening India rests with the youth. He acknowledged the role of participants and volunteers in advancing the padyatra’s objectives and reiterated the Government’s commitment to achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047. He encouraged young citizens to remain cautious of divisive tendencies and to uphold national cohesion.

As the Day 10 proceedings draw to a close, the padyatra will reach Garudeshwar, where a Gram Sabha and cultural evening featuring Dayro will be held. Member of Parliament Shri Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva will attend as the Chief Guest and deliver the keynote address. The programme will provide an opportunity for community interaction, cultural expression and reflection on Sardar Patel’s role in shaping a unified India.

Over the course of the past ten days, the Sardar@150 Ekta Padyatra has demonstrated sustained public participation and civic engagement. Since its commencement on 26 November, the march has traversed multiple districts, covering 149 km till Day 9, and engaging with diverse communities. Activities over the past nine days have included tree plantation drives, Sardar Sabhas, youth interactions, cultural showcases and village-level consultations. Senior leaders, public representatives, youth organisations and citizens have actively participated, reinforcing the padyatra’s objectives of promoting national unity, strengthening social cohesion and disseminating Sardar Patel’s governance ethos. These engagements have contributed to increased awareness about Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, the role of community participation and the nation’s collective aspirations for Viksit Bharat.

With the padyatra entering its concluding stage, the final leg of the march will take place tomorrow. On the 11th and final day, the Sardar@150 Ekta Padyatra will culminate at Kevadiya at the Statue of Unity, marking the formal conclusion of this nationwide initiative undertaken to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

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Pawan Singh Faujdar

(रिलीज़ आईडी: 2199556) आगंतुक पटल : 74