‘Sardar@150’ Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra Concludes at Statue of Unity After 11-Day Nationwide March

The 11-day ‘Sardar@150’ Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra, organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, culminated at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar on Friday with a grand closing ceremony led by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan. The march, which began on November 26 from Patel’s birthplace in Karamsad, traversed Anand, Vadodara, and Narmada districts, covering approximately 250 kilometres and drawing thousands of participants who walked in tribute to the Iron Man of India. At the valedictory event, Radhakrishnan received a memento from Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in the presence of Governor Acharya Devvrat, Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministers of State Raksha Khadse and Tokhan Sahu, and several other dignitaries.

Addressing the gathering beneath the world’s tallest statue, Vice President Radhakrishnan hailed the padyatra as a vibrant celebration of India’s “enduring spirit” and a powerful reminder of Sardar Patel’s unparalleled role in forging a united nation. He emphasised how Patel, as independent India’s first Home Minister, integrated over 560 princely states through diplomacy and resolve, laying the foundation for the modern republic. “This march has carried the message of unity, duty, and nation-building to every corner,” Radhakrishnan said, noting that the event formed part of a nationwide initiative that saw more than 14 lakh youth participate in over 1,300 unity marches across the country.

The Vice President underscored Sardar Patel’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”, stating that the padyatra had successfully rekindled these ideals among the younger generation, who constitute about 65 percent of India’s population. He urged the youth to channel their energy into sports, social responsibility, and disciplined living while steering clear of drugs and addictions. “Let us pledge to build a strong, self-reliant, and united India,” he said, linking Patel’s legacy of rural development and agricultural emphasis to contemporary goals of inclusive growth.

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Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel described the culmination at the Statue of Unity—itself a global symbol of national integration inaugurated in 2018—as a fitting tribute to the leader who stitched together a fragmented nation after Independence. He highlighted the state government’s ongoing efforts to preserve Patel’s legacy through educational programmes, infrastructure projects, and tourism initiatives centred around Ekta Nagar, which has emerged as a major pilgrimage site for those celebrating India’s unity.

The padyatra witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and citizens of all ages, who carried banners bearing messages of brotherhood and national pride. Cultural performances, patriotic songs, and awareness sessions on Patel’s contributions were organised at every halt, reinforcing the theme of unity in diversity. Organisers said the march had not only honoured the past but also inspired participants to contribute actively to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047.

With the things of the ‘Sardar@150’ commemorations now drawing to a close, the successful conclusion of the Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra has reinforced Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring relevance. As the Vice President noted, the Iron Man’s thread of unity continues to bind the nation, reminding every Indian—especially the youth—that a strong and indivisible Bharat remains the most fitting tribute to the architect of modern India.

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