In a powerful tribute to the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led the ‘Jai Bhim Padyatra’ in Patna, Bihar, on Sunday. The event witnessed the participation of over 6,000 MY Bharat Youth Volunteers and was flagged off by Bihar Legislative Assembly Speaker Nand Kishore Yadav.
Organized as part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the padayatra celebrated Babasaheb’s contributions to social justice, equality, and constitutional values, while also mobilizing youth engagement for building a “Viksit Bharat.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya called upon India’s youth to take inspiration from Dr. Ambedkar’s vision. “As the sun rose over Patna, it illuminated not just a statue but a spirit — a renewed commitment to Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals and a Viksit Bharat led by its most powerful force, its youth,” he said.
The Union Minister emphasized the pioneering role of Dr. Ambedkar in advocating equal rights for women as early as 1947 — a time when gender equality was scarcely recognized globally. He urged the youth to take a solemn sankalp (pledge) to uphold the ideals of national icons and align themselves with the Panch Pran vision articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a strong, inclusive, and self-reliant India.
Jai Bhim Padyatras were held simultaneously across all state capitals and 5,000 locations nationwide. MY Bharat volunteers participated in mass cleanliness drives, cleaned statues of Dr. Ambedkar, and reaffirmed their commitment to constitutional values through collective readings of the Preamble.
The event in Patna was further enlivened with cultural performances, patriotic songs dedicated to Dr. Ambedkar, and active community service. Volunteers were seen picking up litter and distributing refreshments along the route, showcasing civic responsibility and the spirit of service.
The padyatra concluded near the Patna High Court, where Dr. Mandaviya, along with other dignitaries including Bihar’s Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and former Union Minister and Patna MP, paid floral tributes to Dr. Ambedkar and participated in a cleanliness drive.
In Mumbai, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse also took part in the padayatra, amplifying the message of unity and national participation.
