Remembering Iron Man: Water of 25 holy rivers offered at Patel’s statue

A programme titled ‘Jal Sangam se Jan Sangam, Ekta ka Utsav’ was held today to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Union Minister of State for External Affairs Pavitra Margherita, Delhi’s Education Minister Ashish Sood and New Delhi MP Bansuri Swaraj offered sacred water from 25 holy rivers of India at the statue of Sardar Patel and flagged off a 3-km Unity March towards the War Memorial.

The event, filled with patriotic fervour, saw enthusiastic participation from students of Delhi schools, NSS volunteers, MYBharat members, teachers and officials from various departments. The route of the march echoed with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai!”

Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Ashish Sood said that the celebration of ‘Sardar @150’ was not only a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but also an occasion “to ask ourselves whether we are building the India of Sardar Patel’s dreams”.

He added, “Sardar @150 is the confluence of ideas, today, we bow to the flame that illuminated unity amidst the darkness of Partition.”

Highlighting the significance of the event, he said, “The ‘Jal Yatra’ beginning from Patel Chowk is a symbol of that national consciousness that Sardar Patel gifted us. This ‘Unity March’ is a celebration of India’s diversity and unity.”

Sood informed that 150 students and teachers collected sacred water from 25 cultural rivers of India, symbolising national unity. He reminded the audience of Sardar Patel’s role in unifying India and rebuilding Delhi after Independence, saying the city remains “a living testament to Patel’s vision”. Concluding his address, Sood said, “This Unity March is an answer to those who seek to divide India’s soul.”