The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Home Minister, with a nationwide campaign of padyatras from October 31 to November 25 across all 779 districts.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Minister of State for Defence Nikhil Khadse launched the initiative, dubbed ‘Sardar@150’ Unity Run, at the Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi. This initiative aims to engage the youth in a historic celebration that pays homage to Patel’s contributions to national integrity.
“Sardar@150 is not merely a commemoration but a national movement to engage youth in nation-building. Just as Sardar Patel united over 560 princely states to forge a strong and united India, this initiative seeks to channel the energy of young Indians towards strengthening national unity,” said Mandaviya.
The upcoming padyatras will consist of events in every parliamentary constituency, spanning a total distance of 8 to 10 km daily over three days. This extensive undertaking will witness participation from every corner of the nation to honor Patel’s formidable impact on India’s unity.
“All 779 districts will participate in these padyatras to honor Sardar Patel’s memory and his unmatched contribution to national integration,” Mandaviya emphasized.
Regarding concerns about participation from opposition-ruled states, including flood-affected West Bengal, Mandaviya reiterated that the events are “beyond politics.” He exuded confidence that participation would remain inclusive and heartfelt, irrespective of political affiliations.
“This has got nothing to do with politics, and I am sure there will be wholehearted participation irrespective of who is in power,” he affirmed.
Notably, the padyatras will be supported by Union Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and volunteers from organizations such as My Bharat, NSS, and NCC, who will also partake in organizing various logistics and cleanliness drives during the event.
A special padyatra will occur at the national level, scheduled for November 26 to December 6, where participants will cover 152 km from Sardar Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, Gujarat, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia — the tallest statue in the world, erected in his honor.
To celebrate this legacy, a group of 150 young leaders will join the symbolic padyatra, handpicked through a national quiz competition that aimed to inspire youth engagement with Patel’s remarkable history.
