Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, along with Minister of State Raksha Khadse, on Monday launched the Sardar@150 Unity March, a nationwide campaign led by MY Bharat to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. The initiative aims to celebrate Patel’s legacy of unity and nation-building while inspiring the youth to uphold the ideals of ‘Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
The two-month-long campaign, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, seeks to foster unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among the youth through a series of digital, district-level, and national activities. It forms part of the government’s broader effort to promote Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in Rashtranirman (nation-building), as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Speaking at the launch event in New Delhi, Dr. Mandaviya said the Sardar@150 Unity March was not merely a commemoration but a national movement to engage youth in shaping a Viksit (developed) and Aatmanirbhar (self-reliant) Bharat. He urged young Indians to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to national unity.
“The Sardar@150 Unity March will be by the youth and for the youth. It embodies Sardar Patel’s spirit of unity and service, reminding us that India’s strength lies in its togetherness,” Dr. Mandaviya said.
He called upon young citizens to take the lead in community initiatives and social development, just as Sardar Patel united more than 560 princely states to forge a strong and united India.
To mark the occasion, the government will observe two years of celebrations (2024–2026) to honour Sardar Patel’s monumental contribution to India’s unity and integrity.
Three-Phase Nationwide Campaign
Phase I – Digital Phase (October 6 onwards):
The campaign begins with online activities such as social media reel contests, essay competitions, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Program Quiz for youth aged 15–29. These activities, hosted on the MY Bharat platform, aim to engage young participants across India. Winners will be announced ahead of the national padyatra on November 26.
Phase II – District-Level Padyatras (October 31–November 25, 2025):
District-level padyatras will be organised across all parliamentary constituencies, with participants walking 8–10 km daily for three consecutive days. These events will showcase India’s cultural diversity and unity, with participation from State Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and volunteers from MY Bharat, NSS, and NCC. The padyatras will include health camps, Swachhata drives, youth debates, and lectures on Sardar Patel’s life and contributions, along with pledges for a drug-free and self-reliant India.
Phase III – National Padyatra (November 26–December 6, 2025):
The national padyatra will commence on Constitution Day (November 26) from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, and culminate at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, covering 152 km. Dr. Mandaviya will join 150 outstanding young leaders, selected through the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Quiz, symbolising youth leadership in nation-building. Along the route, participants will engage in community development activities and attend Sardar Gatha sessions, where scholars will narrate inspiring stories from Patel’s life.
Addressing the media, Vandita Pandey, Director (Youth Affairs), outlined the campaign’s phases and stressed the importance of maximum youth engagement at every level. She highlighted that the initiative aims to translate the spirit of unity and self-reliance into tangible civic action across districts and communities.
Registrations and details of all activities are available on the MY Bharat portal under Sardar@150 – Unity March. The Ministry has urged youth nationwide to participate actively, take the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge, and carry forward Sardar Patel’s vision of a United, Self-Reliant, and Developed India.
