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Bhavnagar, Nov 17 (IANS) Union Minister Nimuben Bambhania on Monday said the ideas and ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel remain a guiding force for the youth of India, serving as an inspiration for nation building in a rapidly changing world.
Addressing the district level ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ organized in Bhavnagar as part of the nationwide celebrations to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man, the Union Minister said, “Sardar Patel’s life will continue to inspire generations. His ideals shape the youth who will lead India tomorrow.”
Bambhaniya said that the Unity March has become an important platform to connect the youth with the collective future of the country.
He also reminisced about Iron Man’s association with Bhavnagar and urged citizens to contribute to a self-reliant India by adopting indigenous products.
The march was flagged off from Jashonath Circle and covered a distance of 8 to 10 km and ended at Mastaram Temple. Union Minister Bambhaniya, Minister in-charge Kaushik Vekaria and MLA Sejal Pandya participated in the program chaired by Cabinet Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani.
A large crowd of citizens, students, youth groups and social organizations joined the march raising slogans of ‘Ek Bharat, Self-reliant India’ along the entire route.
Folk icons Mayahir, Rajbha Gadhvi, Kirtidan Gadhvi, Sagardan Gadhvi and Pareshdaan Gadhvi added a cultural dimension to the march with their presence.
The program began with floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maharaja Takhtsinhji and BR Ambedkar, followed by the formal beginning of the march.
Jadhavji Modi’s descendants, including international para-athletes Alpesh Sutaria and Sangeeta Sutaria, were honoured. The participants also took a collective pledge to adopt indigenous products.
Speaking at the event, Minister Jitu Vaghani said that Sardar Patel’s vision of national unity has been strengthening India’s development path.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like the Ekta March inculcate patriotism, discipline and national responsibility among the youth,” he said. He recalled how Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji of Bhavnagar was the first ruler to accede his princely state to the Indian Union.
He said the central government has taken decisive steps towards building a strong India, which is “in line with the spirit of determination of Sardar Patel, who crushed the malicious designs of the opposing forces.”
The march was attended by academic dignitaries including Mayor Bharat Bard, Standing Committee Chairman Raju Rabadia, District Collector Manish Kumar Bansal, DDO Hanuj Chaudhary, Regional Municipal Commissioner Dhawal Pandya, ADC NV Gowani, senior leaders Kumarsingh Shah and Digvijaysingh Gohil, Gujarat Vidyapeeth Vice Chancellor Harshad Patel, Children’s University VC Dr TS Joshi and MK Bhavnagar University VC Dr Bharat Ramanuj along with citizens and academicians. A large crowd of community leaders attended.
–IANS
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