“Youth are the torchbearers of Ek Bharat”: Sarbananda Sonowal at the Sardar@150 March in Vadodara

VADODARA : The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), Shri Sarbananda Sonowal took part in the Sardar@150 March along with other leaders at Vadodara on Friday. Sonowal said the Sardar@150 National Unity March has “ignited a powerful wave of patriotism across India and showcased the determination of the nation’s youth to uphold Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s vision of a united India”.

Speaking at the inaugural cultural programme held at Aarana Lawns, Sevasi as the padyatra entered Vadodara on Day 3, the Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the march is a testament to collective resolve and national pride. “The passion of our youth proves that the spirit of Ek Bharat continues to inspire every citizen. Under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, India is moving ahead with the mission of Shreshtha Bharat and a Viksit Bharat,”Sarbananda Sonowal said.

The padyatra began from the Hare Krishna Temple at Anklav and drew strong participation from students, cultural groups and community organisations. According to MY Bharat, the initiative has already seen 1,514 padyatras across more than 620 districts and 440 Lok Sabha constituencies, involving over 1.5 million citizens who have collectively covered 10,007 km nationwide.

The inaugural programme featured Sardar Gatha, themed “Vithalbhai – Maniben – Sardar,” followed by cultural performances including Gram Sabha, Nrutya Natika and Bhajan Sandhya, celebrating unity through art and heritage.

The padyatra will proceed on Saturday through key locations in Vadodara, culminating at Navlakhi Ground for a large cultural event.

The 11-day march, commemorating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, continues to galvanise young India around the ideals of national integration and self-reliance.

The Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal was joined by other dignitaries including Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment; Ajay Tamta, Minister of State for Road Transport & Highways; Sheeshpal Rajput, Chairman, Gujarat State Yog Board; Jagdishbhai Makwana, MLA and Deputy Chief Whip, Gujarat Vidhan Sabha; Vijaybhai Patel, MLA and Deputy Chief Whip, Gujarat Vidhan Sabha; Hemang Joshi, Member of Parliament (MP); Smt. Ranjanben Bhatt, former MP; Narhari Amin, Former Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat and MP; and Jashubhai Bhilubhai Rathva, MP.