‘Sardar@150’ Unity Padyatra, which started from Karamsad on the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, ended at the Statue of Unity after 11 days. The Vice President, CM and Union Ministers described it as a historic journey giving the message of unity, patriotism and self-reliant India.
Gandhinagar. The ‘Sardar@150’ National Unity Padyatra, which started from Karamsad to pay tribute to the Iron Man and the country’s first Home Minister Bharat Ratna Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the 150th birth anniversary, concluded on Saturday at the ‘Statue of Unity’ complex in Ekta Nagar. This padyatra, which lasted for 11 days, spread the message of unity, patriotism and the values of Sardar Patel in the entire region.
Present at the closing ceremony was Vice President Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan described the march as “a celebration of the immortal soul of India”. He said that this Padyatra has become a medium to connect the minds of the people of the country and the feelings of unity, duty and nation building were clearly visible in it.
The legacy of Sardar Patel and his contribution to the unification of India
The Vice President said that Sardar Patel was a great national hero who united more than 560 princely states through the strength of his leadership. His contribution in establishing India as a united nation is unforgettable. He said that the participation of more than 14 lakh youth in more than 1300 padyatras organized across the country is proof that the light of unity awakened by Sardar Patel is as strong even today.
The message of One India, Best India spread across the country
The Vice President said that this Padyatra reached the entire country with the message of unity, brotherhood and self-reliant India. He said that Sardar Patel had given the message through his simple life that “Agriculture is our culture” – that is, agriculture is the root of Indian culture. His efforts made India a strong and unified nation.
Gujarat-symbol of non-violence, unity and development
He said that Gujarat is the same land where Mahatma Gandhi showed the world the path of non-violence, Sardar Patel united the country and Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave development the form of a national movement. He said, “Kem chho?” Responding to “Fun Mom!” The feeling of togetherness across the country is a reflection of Gujarat’s progressive thinking and the leadership of the Prime Minister.
India’s progress, new laws and women’s participation
The Vice President said that in the last 10 years, India has made historic progress in areas such as economic, social, military and foreign policy.
- Nari Shakti Vandan Act has started a new era by bringing women into the mainstream of leadership.
- The four new labor codes implemented by the Central Government will provide respect, equality and security to the working class.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Sardar Patel’s dream of a “strong and self-reliant India” is fast being realized.
Youth power was inspired towards nation building
The Vice President gave the message to the youth to stay away from drugs, adopt sports and social responsibility and channelize their energy in a positive direction with cultured behavior. He called upon the youth to move forward with the spirit of ‘One India, Best India’.
Bardoli Satyagraha and Sardar’s leadership – Governor’s address
Governor Acharya Devvrat said that Bardoli Satyagraha established Sardar Patel as a strong mass leader. He organized farmers and led Satyagraha against the increase in rent by the British. After the success of this movement, he got the title of ‘Sardar’. He said that the world’s tallest statue – Statue of Unity installed in Ekta Nagar presents Sardar’s thinking of unity and integrity to the world.
Address by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel – Three historical anniversaries of 2015
The Chief Minister said that the year of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel is a glorious one for the country. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the national song Vande Mataram, the 150th birth anniversary of Lord Birsa Munda ji and the global spread of the ideology of Sardar Saheb. He said that the abrogation of Article 370 is a step towards realizing the idea of “one country, one constitution, one head”. The Statue of Unity is also a symbol of the nation’s gratitude.
Energy, cleanliness and environment messages of youth also became part of the journey.
The Chief Minister said that youth power is the cornerstone of this unity march. In the Padayatra, the youth adopted values like cleanliness, “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and patriotism as messages. He urged everyone to implement Sardar Patel’s ‘Nation First’ principle and work towards the resolve of ‘Developed India@2047’.
Union Minister Mansukhbhai Mandaviya – “This padayatra became a journey of thoughts”
Union Minister Dr. Mansukhbhai Mandaviya told that he himself participated in this 150 km march from Karamsad to Ekta Nagar for 4 days. Thousands of youth, women and especially farmers across the country joined the journey step by step. Farmers welcomed the pilgrims by offering them bananas, guavas and fresh fruits from their fields. Natural farming was also demonstrated on the way, which spread the message of self-reliant India.
Pledge of participation and closing ceremony received from across the country
All those present at the ceremony took the oath to adopt Swadeshi and build a self-reliant India.
The ‘Sardar@150’ Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra started from Karamsad on November 26 and passed through rural and urban areas of Anand, Vadodara, Narmada districts in 11 days and reached the Statue of Unity on December 6. Thousands of youth, volunteers, public representatives and local citizens took the message of unity to the people.
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Minister of State Raksha Khadse, Tokhan Sahu, Swaraj Ashram-Bardoli trustee Niranjanaben Kalarthi, senior MPs, MLAs, district administration and a large number of citizens were present in the program.