On the 150th birth anniversary of India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the message of unity is echoing across the nation. UP CM Yogi, in a press conference held today (12 October) at his official residence in Lucknow, presented a detailed blueprint of the ‘Sardar @150 Unity March’ campaign. This campaign will run from October 31 to December 6, featuring a 150-kilometer long march from Sardar Patel’s birthplace Karamsad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. CM Yogi said, “The unified form of India we see today is due to the vision and efforts of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The entire nation remembers him with gratitude.”
This press conference wasn’t just a declaration, but a pledge to strengthen national unity. CM Yogi mentioned that under the leadership of PM Modi, several related programs have already begun or are about to commence across the country. On October 6, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Anurag Thakur launched a portal under the ‘Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)’ campaign for youth registration. UP is taking steps in the same direction. The central highlight of this campaign will be the ‘Run for Unity’ on October 31, organised in every district.
CM Yogi emphasised, “This event has been consistently held for the past 11 years by the BJP and the government, but this time, in honour of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, it carries special significance.”
Legacy of a United India
The name of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel instantly evokes the image of an undivided India. Born in 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, this great freedom fighter fought shoulder to shoulder with Mahatma Gandhi during the independence struggle. However, his real contribution came post-independence when he unified 562 princely states. Without any bloodshed, he made India a strong and united nation. Today, as India faces both internal and external challenges, Sardar Patel’s message becomes even more relevant. CM Yogi reiterated the same in the press conference, “Sardar Patel was not just a freedom fighter, but the pillar of a united India. On his birth anniversary, we will spread his vision to every citizen.”
The roadmap of how this campaign will flourish in Uttar Pradesh was laid out in detail by the CM. The campaign will kick off with a ‘Run for Unity’ event on October 31 in every district. This run will also aim to raise awareness among the youth against drug addiction. CM Yogi stated, “To strengthen the Drug-Free India campaign, special awareness drives will be launched. Yoga and health camps will also be organised to inspire people towards a healthy lifestyle.” Focus will also be laid on cleanliness. Extensive cleanliness drives will be conducted at every level to spread the message across both rural and urban areas.
The Symbolic 150 km Foot March
The key attraction of the campaign will be a national-level 150-kilometer foot march from Sardar Patel’s ancestral birthplace, Karamsad, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. CM Yogi revealed, “Thousands of youth will participate in this journey. Office bearers from the youth wing of Uttar Pradesh, two renowned athletes, artists, and five representatives from each district will reach Karamsad via buses from four major centres. The march will begin from there.” This journey will symbolise not just physical but also mental unity. BJP has planned 8–10 km foot marches in each Lok Sabha constituency. From November 1 to November 25, such marches will be conducted in every assembly constituency, covering all seats.
At the state level, the BJP and the government are working together. The CM added, “We have scheduled three-day marches in every institutional region. These will connect through assembly constituencies.” Multiple events will be organised to raise awareness before the march. Essay competitions on Sardar Patel’s contributions, debates, biographical seminars, and street plays will be held from the village panchayat level up to the assembly level. “All these will start at the local level so the common people feel connected,” CM Yogi emphasised.
Youth at the Core, Swadeshi in Focus
Special attention is being given to youth engagement. Under the Drug-Free India week, several programs will be conducted. Simultaneously, the ‘Vocal for Local’ and Swadeshi movements will be promoted. CM Yogi informed, “Swadeshi fairs and UP trade fairs have already been organised across all 75 districts of the state. This will honour local artisans and craftsmen. Their art is being linked with technology for global branding. With improved packaging, they will be connected to markets.” This step is not just about economic empowerment but will serve as a milestone towards a self-reliant India.
During the march, local committees, social service organisations, and cultural groups will remain active. Events like garlanding Sardar Patel’s statues, tribute meetings, and street plays will be conducted. The CM asserted, “The journey from Akhand Bharat (United India) to Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-reliant India) will be our collective resolve. Those who participate in this will become part of history.” When asked by a journalist whether this campaign is political, the CM smiled and replied, “This is a national unity campaign. We all must rise above politics and unite. Sardar Patel united princely states; why shouldn’t we unite the people?”
From History to Youth – Building a Future
At the national level, Prime Minister Modi has always paid great tribute to Sardar Patel. The Statue of Unity stands as a living example of this. This campaign will connect the young generation to history. Covering all 75 districts in a vast state like Uttar Pradesh is no small feat, but CM Yogi’s team has planned it in an organised manner. Local leaders and workers in each district will shoulder responsibilities.
This campaign won’t end with the march. Even afterwards, workshops and seminars based on Sardar Patel’s ideology will continue. Special efforts will be made to include students in schools and colleges. CM Yogi stated, “Our goal is to inspire every youth with Sardar Patel’s struggle. Unity is our strength.” At the end of the press conference, CM appealed to all citizens to actively participate in the campaign.
As October 31 approaches, excitement continues to build. From Lucknow to Gorakhpur, party workers are deep in preparations. This campaign won’t just commemorate Sardar Patel but will also infuse new energy into the spirit of national unity. In today’s times, when divisive forces are active, such initiatives are crucial. CM Yogi’s effort is commendable—it connects history with the present and paves the way for a united future.
