CM Flags Off National Padyatra of Sardar@150 Unity March in Gujarat Vallabhbhai Patel’s Legacy Continues to Inspire India’s Youth: CM Sardar Patel Shaped India’s Administrative Foundation and Unity: CM

Agartala: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha today reaffirmed that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel dedicated his entire life to safeguarding the unity and integrity of India and played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s administrative structure. Dr. Saha was addressing the National Padyatra flagging-off ceremony of the Sardar@150 Unity March at Shastri Maidan in Gujarat, organised to mark the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India. Earlier in the day, Dr. Saha visited Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s ancestral home and paid floral tributes to his portrait, accompanied by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel. The Chief Minister said the padyatra is not just a symbolic march but a tribute to the ideals of unity, courage, and nation-building that Sardar Patel embodied. He added that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed annually on October 31st, reminds the nation of the importance of unity in protecting India’s sovereignty and integrity. This year holds special significance as it marks Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary. Dr. Saha highlighted that the Sardar@150 Unity March, organised under the My Bharat (Youth Affairs & Sports Ministry), aims to inspire youth by reinforcing the values of unity, patriotism, and responsibility. “The spirit of this initiative is Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said, noting that various programmes have also been conducted across Tripura to commemorate Sardar Patel’s legacy. The Chief Minister recalled Sardar Patel’s monumental contribution in integrating nearly 560 princely states between 1947 and 1949, calling him a towering figure who cemented the idea of a united India. He further stated that since 2014, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rashtriya Ekta Diwas has been celebrated nationwide to honour Patel’s unparalleled contributions. Dr. Saha said the ongoing Sardar@150 Unity March, being held in multiple phases across the country—including district-level padyatras from October 31 to November 25—has also been observed with enthusiasm in Tripura, carrying forward the message of unity, strength, and patriotism.