Celebrating the Iron Man: Sardar@150 Unity March kicks off with focus on youth

To mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, widely known as the Iron Man of India, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports and Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday launched the Sardar@150 Unity March, a nationwide campaign led by MY Bharat.

The two-month-long campaign is aimed at inspiring unity, patriotism and civic responsibility among the youth while celebrating Sardar Patel’s legacy of uniting the nation. Addressing the media, Mandaviya said, “Sardar@150 Unity March is not merely a commemoration but a national movement to engage youth in nation-building and advance the vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.”

He urged young Indians to imbibe Patel’s ideology and spirit of service in their lives.

The government has planned two years of celebrations from 2024 to 2026 to honour Sardar Patel’s monumental contributions, including his role in integrating over 560 princely states and shaping modern India. The campaign highlights the importance of youth participation in nation building and aims to foster a sense of pride and responsibility among the next generation.

Explaining the campaign’s structure, Vandita Pandey, Director of Youth Affairs, said it will unfold in three phases: Digital, District and National. The Digital Phase, starting on October 6, includes social media reel competitions, essay writing and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Programme Quiz for youth between 15 and 29 years of age. The winners will be announced before the national padyatra.

The district-level padyatras will take place from October 31 to November 25 across all districts. They will feature health camps, cleanliness drives, youth debates, lectures and cultural performances celebrating Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat. Volunteers from MY Bharat, NSS and NCC will actively engage local communities in these initiatives.

The national padyatra will begin on November 26, Constitution Day, from Sardar Patel’s birthplace Karamsad and conclude on December 6 at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Covering 152 km, it will feature 150 young leaders walking alongside Mandaviya.

Youth across India are encouraged to register and participate through the MY Bharat portal at mybharat.gov.in.