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Ahmedabad, Nov 26 (IANS) A national level ‘Sardar@Unity March’ kicked off from Karamsad, the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, as part of the nationwide celebrations to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India in Gujarat.
The padayatra, which will travel from Karamsad to Kevadiya between November 26 and December 5, aims to spread Patel’s message of national unity and inspire patriotism among the youth of the country.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel flagged off the march, which was attended by BJP Gujarat President Jagdish Vishwakarma, several ministers, MPs, MLAs and youth from across India.
Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha gave a special address, describing the Unity March as the foundation of the unity of independent India and a tribute to Patel’s unique contribution to the nation.
Speaking on Constitution Day, Chief Minister Patel paid tribute to Dr. BR Ambedkar and the members of the Constitution-drafting committee.
He said the celebrations coincide with the national celebrations around Patel’s 150th birth anniversary and 150 years of Vande Mataram and the birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda.
Addressing the gathering, CM Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been steadfast in fulfilling Patel’s vision of an integrated and self-reliant India. He recalled how Patel had created a united nation by uniting 562 princely states, describing the Statue of Unity as the world’s tallest statue and a “living symbol of India’s strength and pride”.
Patel said that under the leadership of PM Modi, the abrogation of Article 370 achieved the long-term goal of complete national integration.
He further said that Patel’s commitment to workers and farmers is reflected in the implementation of India’s four new labor codes.
The 152-km padyatra is not just a symbolic walk but a “path of patriotism” that will echo the message of unity across Gujarat, Patel said. He highlighted that the Padayatra is being organized simultaneously in all the states, with massive youth participation.
During the March, various cultural programmes, public functions and storytelling sessions titled ‘Sardar Gatha’ will be organized to introduce people to the values and life lessons of Patel.
Addressing the crowd with slogans of ‘Jai Sardar’, Gujarat BJP president Jagdish Vishwakarma emphasized that Constitution Day holds special significance in India’s democratic journey.
He called it a moment of pride that the country is simultaneously celebrating the 150th anniversary of Sardar Patel, Birsa Munda and Vande Mataram.
He urged citizens, especially the youth, to commit to PM Modi’s vision of a self-reliant India by adopting indigenous products in everyday life.
Vishwakarma said that PM Modi has raised India’s global stature and strengthened the respect for Indian citizens across the world.
He said that Patel’s very name provides energy to the youth and described him as a leader of strong will and unmatched determination.
The event was attended by Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, BJP National General Secretary Sunil Bansal, Union Ministers Anupriya Patel and Nimuben Bambhaniya, senior BJP officials, state ministers, MPs, MLAs and thousands of youth from different walks of life.
–IANS
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