A powerful 11-day journey celebrating India's unity and the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel reached its grand finale at the iconic Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar. The Sardar@150 National Unity March, a tribute to the nation's first Home Minister, concluded with Vice President C P Radhakrishnan presiding over the closing ceremony.
A Celebration of India's Immortal Soul
Addressing the gathering at the culmination point, Vice President Radhakrishnan described the march as a profound celebration of the nation's immortal soul. He emphasized that the event served as a powerful medium to unite the hearts and minds of citizens across the country, reinforcing the foundational values of integration championed by Sardar Patel.
Radhakrishnan paid rich homage to Sardar Patel, calling him one of India's greatest national heroes. He highlighted the Iron Man's monumental achievement of unifying more than 560 princely states through his able leadership and unwavering resolve. The Vice President stated that Patel's contribution to forging a united and integrated India would be remembered and revered for generations to come.
Youth Power and Enduring Legacy
The Vice President pointed to the overwhelming participation of the nation's youth as a testament to Patel's lasting influence. He revealed that over 1.4 million young individuals had taken part in more than 1,300 'padyatras' (foot marches) associated with the event. This massive turnout, according to Radhakrishnan, proves that the flame of unity lit by Sardar Patel continues to shine brightly in modern India.
Radhakrishnan also reflected on Sardar Patel's deep connection to the land, noting that the leader taught the world through his simplicity that agriculture is our culture, the root of our civilisation, and our identity.
Progress and Policy in a United India
In his speech, the Vice President linked the spirit of unity to the nation's contemporary progress. He remarked that over the last 10 years, India has achieved unprecedented advancements across economic, social, military, foreign policy, and strategic domains.
He specifically mentioned the Nari Shakti Vandan Act as a landmark initiative ushering in an era of women-led development. Furthermore, Radhakrishnan highlighted the central government's four new Labour Codes, stating they strengthen the resolve to build a just, inclusive, and progressive India by ensuring equality and dignity for the working class.
The historic march had commenced on November 26 from Karamsad, the ancestral town of Sardar Patel in Gujarat. It then traversed through the districts of Anand, Vadodara, and Narmada, gathering momentum and participants, before its final culmination at the feet of the majestic Statue of Unity.
