Sardar@150 March in Vadodara Showcases Youth-Led Spirit of National Unity

Sonowal further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward the national vision of Shreshtha Bharat and Viksit Bharat.

The Sardar@150 National Unity March—organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—reached Vadodara on Friday, drawing a remarkable wave of participation from students, cultural organisations, youth groups and community collectives. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, joined the march along with several senior leaders, marking a major highlight of the nationwide initiative.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural cultural programme at Aarana Lawns, Sevasi, Sonowal said the march had “ignited a powerful wave of patriotism across India and showcased the determination of the nation’s youth to uphold Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India.” He emphasised that the enthusiasm seen across districts demonstrates the continued relevance of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat—the idea of a culturally integrated and socially harmonious nation.

Sonowal further added that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is steadily progressing toward the national vision of Shreshtha Bharat and Viksit Bharat. The padyatra, he said, symbolises the collective resolve of citizens and the pride associated with the country’s civilisational legacy.

The march began earlier in the day from the Hare Krishna Temple at Anklav, with thousands joining the padyatra as it advanced toward Vadodara. The initiative, coordinated by MY Bharat, has already recorded enormous nationwide engagement: 1,514 padyatras conducted across more than 620 districts and 440 Lok Sabha constituencies, drawing the participation of over 1.5 million citizens. Collectively, participants have covered 10,007 kilometres, reflecting unprecedented mobilisation in the spirit of national unity.

Upon arrival in Vadodara, the padyatra was welcomed with elaborate cultural presentations. The inaugural programme featured Sardar Gatha, themed “Vithalbhai – Maniben – Sardar”, showcasing the legacy of the Patel family and their contributions to India’s struggle for independence. This was followed by artistic performances including Gram Sabha, Nrutya Natika, and Bhajan Sandhya, all aimed at reinforcing values of harmony, selfless service and patriotism through traditional art forms.

The march will continue through prominent locations in Vadodara on Saturday, culminating at Navlakhi Ground, where a grand cultural event has been scheduled. Organisers expect participation to further increase as youth groups, artists and civil society organisations join the ongoing celebrations.

The 11-day nationwide march—dedicated to honouring Sardar Patel’s immense role in national integration—has continued to galvanise young India. Its central message of unity, self-reliance and community leadership resonates strongly at a time when the country marks a pivotal moment in its journey toward development.

Alongside Union Minister Sonowal, several dignitaries participated in the Vadodara leg of the march, including Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment; Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways; Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman of the Gujarat State Yog Board; MLAs Jagdishbhai Makwana and Vijaybhai Patel; Member of Parliament Hemang Joshi; former MP Smt. Ranjanben Bhatt; former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Narhari Amin; and MP Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva.

Together, their presence underscored the national significance of the Sardar@150 initiative—one that aims not only to celebrate a historic milestone but also to nurture a future generation deeply committed to unity and nation-building.