Two-Month National Initiative to Celebrate Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi today reviewed the arrangements for the two-month-long nationwide campaign – ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ being organized to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The review meeting was held in accordance with the communication received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, and the office of the Union Minister of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs. The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure active participation of all universities, colleges, technical institutes, and schools across the state in this landmark national programme.
As part of the celebrations, district-level padyatras will be organized across Haryana on October 31, 2025, coinciding with Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, followed by a 10-day national padyatra — ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ — from November 26 to December 6, 2025.
The initiative, led by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, aims to promote national unity, patriotism, and civic responsibility among India’s youth. It also seeks to inspire them to embrace the ideals of ‘Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat’, echoing Sardar Patel’s vision of a strong and united India.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that District Core Committees (DCCs) should be established in all districts to plan and coordinate padyatras efficiently. Under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, the committee shall consist of Retired IAS officers, District Youth Officers, Programme Officers, NSS, MY Bharat representatives, and public representatives such as MPs or MLAs and line Departments.
At the Directorate level, Raj Kumar, Additional Director, has been designated as the State Nodal Officer for coordination, while at the district level, principals of government ITIs will serve as District Nodal Officers to oversee the smooth execution of activities and ensure wide youth participation from Youth Empowerment & Entrepreneurship Dept, Haryana.
The campaign will be initiated by the District Youth Officer (DYO), MY Bharat at all districts and all the departments will coordinate with him/her. The DYO, MY Bharat will be the member secretary and will oversee the entire arrangements of the Padyatra.
The ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ is part of the broader Viksit Bharat Padyatra initiative, inspired by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s participation) in ‘Rashtranirman’ (nation-building).
The campaign underscores the pivotal role of the Amrit Peedhi—the youth of the Amrit Kaal—in carrying forward Sardar Patel’s legacy of unity, integrity, and strength. The Chief Secretary urged all departments and institutions to extend full cooperation to make this national celebration a grand success.