Lucknow, October 12: A “Run for Unity” is set to be held throughout Uttar Pradesh on October 31 in celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Uttar Pradesh government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will collaborate to ensure that this event is celebrated with great enthusiasm and commitment. As part of a national initiative, the “Sardar @150 Unity March” will occur from October 31 to November 26. Five youth representatives from each district, including athletes and artists, will partake in this significant journey.
They will travel by bus to Karamsad, Gujarat, the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and join a 150-kilometre national padayatra from Karamsad to Kevadia, home of the Statue of Unity. Many youths from across the country will take part in this march, promoting awareness about national unity and the Jan Jagran Abhiyan efforts. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath shared the comprehensive plan for the state-wide celebrations during a media briefing on Sunday. He revealed that a three-day padayatra, spanning 8 to 10 kilometers, will be organized in every Lok Sabha constituency, covering all Vidhan Sabha segments.
Prior to the padayatra, numerous public awareness programs will occur at local levels, including essay writing and debate competitions, seminars discussing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life and contributions, street plays, and symposia. Additionally, youth-focused initiatives such as a Drug-Free India pledge, the ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Local for Global’ campaigns, along with yoga and health camps, will be implemented statewide. A special cleanliness drive is also planned. During the padayatra, local committees, social organizations, and cultural groups will arrange wreath-laying and tribute events at statues of Sardar Patel. CM Yogi further mentioned that, in line with the commitment to create a self-reliant India through unity, cultural programs showcasing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s life and vision will be conducted.
All participants will receive certificates. The campaign will involve active participation from ministers, MPs, MLAs, party workers, NCC and NSS members, and organizations like Mai Bharat. He stressed that significant events will take place from October 31 (Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary) to November 26 (Constitution Day). CM Yogi characterized Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel as a remarkable freedom fighter and the architect of a unified India. He remarked, “His unparalleled leadership and determination resulted in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Republic of India, shaping the modern nation we recognize today.
Despite opposition from some princely states like Junagadh and Hyderabad, Sardar Patel’s steadfast resolve ensured their inclusion in India, strengthening the country’s unity and integrity.” The Chief Minister noted that since 2014, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, India has been observing Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day. The Bharatiya Janata Party has also been conducting the “Run for Unity” yearly to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s legacy. Continuing this tradition, a Run for Unity will again be held nationwide and in the state on October 31 to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India.
