VP Radhakrishnan Leads Sardar @150 Unity March Finale at Statue of Unity

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a profound honour to conclude a national padyatra dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India.

 

The Vice-President of India, Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, presided over the closing ceremony of the Sardar @150 Unity March – National Padyatra at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The occasion marked his first official visit to Gujarat since assuming office, adding special significance to the event, held in the presence of thousands of participants and national leaders.

Honouring Sardar Patel’s Legacy of Unity

Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a profound honour to conclude a national padyatra dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. He noted that the padyatra began on 26 November — Constitution Day (Samvidhaan Diwas), symbolising India’s constitutional spirit and Patel’s role in unification.

He highlighted that over 14 lakh youth participated in more than 1,300 padyatras held across the country—clear evidence that the message of unity ignited by Sardar Patel continues to inspire generations.

Padyatras as Vehicles of National Purpose

Sharing personal anecdotes, the Vice-President recalled leading a 19,000 km Rath Yatra and several padyatras across South India for causes such as:

• River-linking initiatives

• Eliminating terrorism

• Promoting a uniform civil code

• Ending untouchability

• Curbing narcotics

He said such journeys help leaders connect deeply with citizens and carry transformative messages to the grassroots.

Tribute to the Architect of Modern India

Honouring Sardar Patel for integrating over 560 princely states, he said:

“Our nation will always remain indebted to the Iron Man of India for unifying and laying the strong foundation of Akhand Bharat.”

He emphasized that Sardar Patel’s vision of a strong, united and self-reliant India is being realised today under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

India’s Rise in the Last Decade

The Vice-President outlined India’s rapid advancements:

• Strong economic progress

• Social and welfare-led development

• Technological and military strengthening

• Strategic global influence

• March toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy

Youth as the Driving Force of Viksit Bharat

Calling the youth the “powerhouse of India’s future,” he urged them to uphold unity, discipline and national responsibility. His appeals included:

• Say ‘No to Drugs’

• Use social media responsibly

• Promote cyber safety and digital literacy

• Embrace innovation and nation-building opportunities

Women at the Forefront of Nation-Building

Observing a strong presence of women at the event, the Vice-President praised the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which he said has shifted India’s narrative from women’s empowerment to women-led development.

National Security and Labour Reforms

He highlighted India’s enhanced defence preparedness, noting Operation Sindoor as a defining milestone in India’s commitment to combating terrorism.

He also underlined the significance of the four new Labour Codes, calling them transformative steps toward a worker-friendly, modern labour system aligned with Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas.

Padyatra Symbolises Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat

The 10-day national padyatra, stretching 180 km from Karamsad to Ekta Nagar, symbolised self-reliance, environmental consciousness and national unity. Conceived under the Prime Minister’s vision, the march reaffirmed the message of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The ceremony was attended by:

• Shri Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Gujarat

• Shri Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat

• Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj; Fisheries & Animal Husbandry

• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Labour & Employment; Youth Affairs & Sports

• Smt. Raksha Khadse, Union Minister of State, Youth Affairs & Sports

• Shri Tokhan Sahu, Union Minister of State, Housing & Urban Affairs

Earlier in the day, the Vice-President was accorded a Guard of Honour and offered floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity.

A Vision for Amrit Kaal

In his concluding message, the Vice-President said that as India marches towards Viksit Bharat @2047, Sardar Patel’s ideals of unity, courage and national service must guide the nation. The culmination of the padyatra at the world’s tallest statue stands as a powerful symbol of India’s unity and resolve.