Ahmedabad, Oct 31 (IANS) — Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Friday flagged off the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’, organised by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — India’s Iron Man and architect of national integration.
The Chief Minister began the event by paying floral tributes to Sardar Patel’s statue at Sardar Patel Colony, Naranpura, before leading the march at 7:30 a.m. The rally concluded at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Ashram Road, passing through Sardar Patel Stadium Road and C.G. Road.
Addressing the gathering, CM Patel said Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a true tribute to Sardar Patel by creating the Statue of Unity, now a global symbol of India’s pride and strength. He noted that the Run for Unity has become a means of uniting the nation through the spirit of oneness and urged citizens to adopt swadeshi (indigenous) products in daily life to help build a Viksit Bharat (developed India) through Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
Recalling Sardar Patel’s historic role in integrating 562 princely states after Independence, CM Patel said, “It was Sardar Patel who laid the foundation of a united India. Under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, Home Minister Amit Shah carried forward that legacy by abrogating Article 370, thereby strengthening India’s unity and integrity.”
He added that since 2014, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has been observed nationwide as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, symbolising India’s unity and collective strength. “Today’s Unity March embodies the ideals of national integration and solidarity,” he remarked.
Highlighting Gujarat’s growing self-reliant spirit, CM Patel said the enthusiasm for buying swadeshi goods during Diwali reflects the same patriotic fervour that powered India’s freedom struggle. “Let us remember Sardar Saheb and pledge to build a united, self-reliant, and developed India,” he urged.
During the event, the Chief Minister, along with dignitaries and citizens, took the Ekta Pledge (Unity Oath), reaffirming their commitment to national unity.
Welcoming the participants, Mayor Pratibha Jain said, “This Unity March is a true tribute to Sardar Patel, inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for national unity. It has rekindled the spirit of patriotism and solidarity among the people.” She added that the march also promotes the vision of a ‘Medhsvita Mukt, Tandurast Gujarat’ (drug-free and healthy Gujarat).
The event saw enthusiastic participation from Minister of State Darshana Vaghela, MPs, MLAs, Deputy Mayor Jatin Patel, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, leader Gaurang Prajapati, Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, Police Commissioner G.S. Malik, District Collector Sujit Kumar, District Development Officer Videh Khare, Gujarat Vidyapith Vice-Chancellor Dr. Harshad Patel, corporators, youth, sportspersons, students, and numerous citizens.
The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organised the Unity March as part of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations to promote the message of ‘Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ (One India, Self-Reliant India).
