Shillong, Oct 15: Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, Wailadmiki Shylla, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Sardar 150 Unity March in Meghalaya — a regional initiative under the national campaign to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Addressing a press conference here, Shylla said, “We are here today to share that we have been directed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to conduct the Unity March as part of the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. This is a truly historic occasion, not just another event, but a movement that seeks to awaken the soul of the nation.”
Shylla informed that the campaign, inaugurated on October 6 by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has already begun its digital phase with youth across the country participating in essay competitions, social media challenges, and leadership programmes through the My Bharat portal.
He said the second phase of the campaign will begin on October 31 and continue till November 25, during which district-level Padyatras will be held across Meghalaya. Each march will cover a distance of 8 to 10 kilometres in every district and Lok Sabha constituency.
“Before the regional Padyatras begin, we will build momentum through debates, essay competitions, seminars, cleanliness drives, and Swadeshi Melas in schools and colleges,” Shylla said.
“These marches will not merely be events but a mass awakening — just as Sardar Patel united the princely states to form one India, the Unity March will unite the hearts of our people,” he said.
The Minister highlighted that volunteers from My Bharat, NCC cadets, NSS members, schools, colleges, and social and religious organisations will all take part in the Padyatras. Swadeshi pledges, yoga camps, environmental campaigns, and exhibitions themed on Viksit Bharat will also be part of the programme.
Shylla further shared that two to five Padyatras from each region will travel by road to Karamsad, Gujarat — Sardar Patel’s birthplace — by November 25, joining others from across India.
The grand culmination will take place on November 26, Constitution Day, when thousands of participants will march 152 kilometres from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
“When we remember Sardar Patel today, we must also remember that his dream was for generations to come,” Shylla said.
He further added,“It is our duty to turn his dream of a united India into an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat. I urge every citizen of our state to participate in this Unity March and uphold the spirit of national integration.”
Responding to media queries, Shylla confirmed that he will personally participate in the Unity March. “We are still in the initial stages of planning, but I will be coordinating with my department and district officials. We will also consult with the police department for traffic management and logistics,” he said.
He added that all legislators will be invited to join the Unity March. “I am confident that every MLA will feel equally responsible in making this Padyatra a success. I will personally reach out and send letters to all of them,” he assured.
Shylla concluded by urging the people of Meghalaya to embrace the spirit of unity, self-reliance, and the Swadeshi movement. “Let us join hands to make India a truly Atmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.
Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dikki D. Shira; State Director of My Bharat Meghalaya, Sarvendra Pratap Singh; and Co-convener of the Unity March in Meghalaya, Hemanta Timung were present during the press conference.
