Ahmedabad, Oct 31 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Bhupendra Patel, initiated the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ on Friday, organized by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, recognized as India’s Iron Man and the architect of national unification.

Before leading the march, which started at 7:30 a.m. and ended at the Mahatma Gandhi statue on Ashram Road, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes at Sardar Patel’s statue located in Sardar Patel Colony, Narangpura. The procession passed through key routes including Sardar Patel Stadium Road and C.G. Road.

During his address, CM Patel remarked that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has honored Sardar Patel’s legacy through the establishment of the Statue of Unity, which serves as a global emblem of India’s strength. He emphasized that the Run for Unity initiative has fostered a sense of national cohesion. He encouraged everyone to incorporate swadeshi (indigenous) products into their daily lives to cultivate a Viksit Bharat (developed India) through Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

Recalling Sardar Patel’s crucial influence in merging 562 princely states following Independence, the Chief Minister stated, “Sardar Patel laid the groundwork for a unified India, and under Prime Minister Modi’s guidance, Home Minister Amit Shah has advanced this legacy by abrogating Article 370, reinforcing India’s unity and integrity.”

He pointed out that since 2014, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary has been celebrated across the country as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, symbolizing India’s cohesiveness and collective strength. “Today’s Unity March embodies the lasting principles of national unity and solidarity,” he remarked.

CM Patel highlighted the increasing pride in self-sufficiency in Gujarat, noting that the enthusiasm for purchasing swadeshi goods this Diwali reflects the patriotic fervor reminiscent of India’s freedom struggle. “Let’s honor Sardar Saheb and pledge to create a united, self-reliant, and developed India,” he urged.

At the event, CM Patel, along with dignitaries and numerous citizens, took the Ekta Pledge (Unity Oath), reaffirming their commitment to national unity.

Welcoming the attendees, Mayor Pratibha Jain stated, “We are here for the Unity March to genuinely honor Sardar Patel, as called for by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This march has revitalized a spirit of patriotism and unity among the populace.” She also mentioned that the march aims to promote the vision of a ‘Medhsvita Mukt, Tandurast Gujarat’ (drug-free and healthy Gujarat).

The Unity March witnessed 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, athletes, students, and a large number of citizens.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation organized the Unity March as a part of the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations to reinforce the message of 'Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (One India, Self-Reliant India).