Ahmedabad, March 5 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, initiated the ‘Sardar Ekta Yatra’ from Ahmedabad on Thursday, emphasizing that this movement aims to spread the principles of unity, patriotism, and national service linked to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel throughout the nation.

This yatra, which is being organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Kurmi Patidar Mahasabha, will traverse various regions of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh, featuring exhibitions showcasing artefacts related to Patel’s life for public appreciation.

Before commencing the journey, the Chief Minister remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has continuously honored Patel's legacy.

“Since 2014, he has established the practice of recognizing Sardar Saheb’s birth anniversary as National Unity Day across the country. The construction of the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, stands as a remarkable tribute to the Iron Man, Sardar Patel,” Patel stated.

He also mentioned that this statue has evolved into a worldwide emblem of India’s unity and integrity.

Reflecting on the 150th birth anniversary celebrations of Sardar Patel, he noted that these events are being conducted under the guidance of the Prime Minister.

“As the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel unified 565 princely states to forge a cohesive and indivisible India,” he added.

Patel expressed that efforts are in place to disseminate Patel’s ideals and values to citizens nationwide under the vision of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat”.

“The Prime Minister aims to instill the spirit of ‘Nation First’ in the hearts of everyone, mirroring Sardar Saheb,” he remarked.

Commending the organizers for their initiative to showcase significant items from Patel’s life during the yatra, the Chief Minister mentioned that this endeavor would perpetuate his dedication, patriotism, and steadfast commitment to unity.

He urged citizens to remain dedicated to enhancing the country’s unity and integrity while embracing the principle of swadeshi (indigenous).

“Integrating swadeshi into our lives is essential at this time. If we unite to realize the vision of a developed India and contribute to building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat, it will be the greatest tribute to Sardar Saheb,” Patel stated.

Details about the nationwide initiative were provided by Satishbhai Patel, head of K.P. Vidyarthi Bhavan and organizer of the yatra, alongside former Minister Gordhan Zadafia.

As the yatra commenced, slogans of “Jai Sardar, Sabke Sardar” resonated through the crowd.

Among the attendees were leaders from the Patidar community, representatives of the organizing body, Sardar National Memorial Honorary Minister R.S. Patel, and students.