The Gujarat government has announced that a National Padyatra from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity will be held as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
The 150-kilometre march, covering Anand, Vadodara and Narmada districts from November 26 to December 6, aims to highlight Patel’s message of unity and national integrity, officials said.
A series of 11 Sardar Gatha Sabhas and 10 Gram Sabhas will be organised along the route to familiarise citizens with Patel’s life and legacy. These public gatherings will feature stories, speeches and cultural programmes focused on the former Deputy Prime Minister’s role in shaping modern India.
In Anand district, two Sardar Gatha Sabhas will be held — the inaugural event at Shastri Maidan in Vallabh Vidyanagar, followed by a session at Asodar ITI in Anklav on the theme “Sardar: Gandhi’s Staunch Ally.”
Vadodara district will host six sabhas on themes including “Sardar: The Fierce General” at Sindharot; “Vithalbhai, Maniben and Sardar” at Atladara BAPS Temple; “Sculptors of Modern India – Sardar” at Jambua; “Kashmir, Hyderabad and Sardar” at Kayavarohan’s Lakulesh Temple; “Sardar and His Companions” and “Junagadh, Somnath and Sardar” at Sadhli; and “Sardar: Leader of the Bardoli Satyagraha” at Mota Phoflaiya.
Three sabhas are scheduled in Narmada district on themes including “Heritage and Revival – Eternal Sardar” at Rajpipla’s Purani Cricket Academy and “Social Reformer Sardar” at Bhandra Chowkdi. The concluding event will take place at the Statue of Unity in Ektanagar.
Ten Gram Sabhas will also be conducted across villages along the Padyatra route — one in Anand district, seven in Vadodara district and two in Narmada district — to spread awareness about Patel’s contribution to national integration.
Authorities have appealed for widespread public participation in the padyatra, calling it a tribute to Sardar Patel’s visionary ideals and a reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the unity and integrity of India.
-IANS