Date: 26 November – 6 December 2025 Location: Karamsad to Statue of Unity, Gujarat
Key Highlights:
A Historic Tribute to the Architect of India’s Unity:
Marking the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Sardar@150 Unity March was led by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya as a tribute to the visionary who united 562 princely states into one nation. Beginning from Karamsad, the birthplace of the Iron Man of India, the padyatra celebrated his enduring legacy of unity, strong governance, and national integration while inspiring young citizens to carry these ideals forward.
Journey that Followed the Footsteps of History:
The national padyatra traced a symbolic route from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, covering nearly 180 kilometres over ten memorable days. With every step, participants experienced the journey not merely as a walk, but as a moving tribute to the ideals that shaped modern India.
Movement Powered by the Amrit Peedhi:
At the heart of the march stood the energy of young India. Thousands of MY Bharat volunteers, students, and youth leaders joined the padyatra, transforming it into a powerful expression of Amrit Peedhi’s commitment to nation-building. Their enthusiasm, discipline, and collective spirit gave the march a vibrant and inspiring character.
From Local Streets to a Nationwide Movement:
What began as a commemorative initiative soon evolved into a nationwide youth movement. Hundreds of padyatras across districts and constituencies brought together citizens from every corner of the country, with participation from over 14 lakh people and more than 22,000 institutions including universities, youth groups, and community organisations. Together, participants walked thousands of kilometres across India, celebrating the spirit of unity and collective responsibility.
A Moment of Collective Inspiration:
On the fifth day of the journey, padyatris paused to collectively listen to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” while continuing the march. The moment created a deeply moving experience for the young participants, strengthening their resolve to carry forward the ideals of unity and work towards building a Viksit Bharat envisioned by the Amrit Peedhi.
Unity Walks Across India:
Across the country, 708 padyatras were organised across 436 districts and 253 assembly constituencies, spanning 25 states and 7 Union Territories. From bustling cities to remote towns, citizens walked shoulder to shoulder, reflecting the shared national pride that Sardar Patel’s legacy continues to inspire.
Where Every Step Echoed the Idea of a United India:
The Sardar@150 Unity March was graced by the presence of several eminent leaders who joined citizens and young padyatris in this heartfelt tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Former Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh, Shri J. P. Nadda, Union Minister Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of State Smt. Raksha Khadse, Governor of Haryana Acharya Devvrat, Governor of Punjab Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, Governor of Bihar Shri Arif Mohammed Khan, Chief Minister of Gujarat Shri Bhupendra Patel, and Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the padyatra at different stages of the journey. Walking alongside thousands of youth and citizens, their presence added warmth, encouragement, and a deep sense of national pride, transforming the march into a powerful symbol of collective leadership and unity. Other senior leaders and public representatives from across the country also participated, walking shoulder to shoulder with the Yuva Shakti and reaffirming their shared commitment to the ideals of unity and nation-building.
When the Nation Converged:
Adding to the grandeur of the initiative were four remarkable youth journeys – the Ganga, Yamuna, Narmada, and Godavari Pravahs – which began from Delhi, Jaipur, Nagpur, and Mumbai. Young representatives from across India travelled through their respective regions before converging in Anand, Gujarat, symbolising the coming together of the nation in tribute to Sardar Patel.
Conversations that Inspired Thousands:
Throughout the journey, the padyatra became a platform for meaningful engagement. Youth dialogues, community interactions, yoga sessions, and outreach activities were organised in villages, markets, and educational institutions along the route, strengthening the connection between young citizens and the communities they serve.
Learning from the Life of Sardar Patel:
Special Sardar Sabhas were organised during the march, where participants reflected on defining moments from Patel’s life – from the Bardoli Satyagraha to the historic integration of princely states and the creation of India’s strong administrative framework. These sessions helped every padyatri walking this historic journey connect deeply with the leadership and vision that shaped the nation.
150 Moments to Celebrate a Great Legacy:
In honour of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the padyatra included 150 thematic halts along the route. Each halt became a vibrant space for public engagement, featuring exhibitions on Patel’s life, displays of government initiatives, cultural performances, and interactive activities celebrating India’s diverse traditions.
A Cultural Festival on the Move:
As the padyatra progressed through towns and villages, every stop turned into a celebration of India’s cultural richness. Folk dances, traditional music, regional art, and local crafts welcomed the participants, transforming the march into a colourful expression of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
Remembering Legends Along the Journey:
A deeply meaningful aspect of the padyatra was the Pratima Samman conducted throughout the journey, where tributes were paid to statues of great national icons across the route. From villages in Vadodara to Bhadam in Narmada district, padyatris and dignitaries paused to offer floral respects to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, reaffirming his enduring legacy of unity. At the grand culmination in Kevadia, a solemn tribute was offered at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Chowk on Mahaparinirvan Diwas, honouring the Father of the Constitution through Pratima Samman. These moments of remembrance transformed the padyatra into more than a physical journey; each stop became a space of reflection, gratitude, and connection with the leaders who shaped India.
Walking with a Commitment to Nature:
Environmental responsibility was woven into the movement through the “Ek ped Maa Ke Naam” initiative, with large-scale tree plantation at “Smriti Van” across each village along the route. The initiative connected the ideals of national unity with the responsibility of not only as a commitment to protecting nature but also as a living memory of the Ekta Padyatra growing with time and reminding future generations of the spirit of unity and service that defined this journey.
Service and Seva Along the Route:
MY Bharat volunteers organised cleanliness drives, NSS camps, and awareness campaigns in villages along the route, ensuring that the padyatra left behind a meaningful legacy of service, civic responsibility, and community engagement.
A Grand Finale at the Statue of Unity:
The inspiring journey culminated at the Statue of Unity, where participants paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and reaffirmed their collective commitment to building a strong, united, and Atmanirbhar India.
Carrying the Legacy Forward:
Under the leadership of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Sardar@150 Unity March emerged as a journey of unity, inspiration, and hope. It reminded every young participant that the ideals of Sardar Patel live on through the Amrit Peedhi, whose aspirations and determination will shape a Viksit Bharat that future generations will proudly inherit.