Sri Vijaya Puram, Nov. 10: As part of the nationwide celebrations commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the District-Level ‘Sardar@150 – Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra’ was organized today at Sri Vijaya Puram. The event was hosted by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India in collaboration with the A&N Administration.
The Padyatra commenced from the National Memorial Cellular Jail Gate and was jointly flagged off by Shri Bishnu Pada Ray, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, A&N Islands and Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman) by waving the National Flag – symbolising unity & solidarity.
Following the flag-off, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray administered the ‘Nasha Mukti Pledge’, reaffirming the collective resolve to build a Drug-Free India. The march drew spirited participation from over 700 youth and citizens representing NSS, NCC, MY Bharat volunteers, educational institutions, and civil society organisations.
The Padyatra followed the route — Cellular Jail → Swimming Pool → Narayan Chowk → Clock Tower → Bengali Club → Lighthouse Junction → Gandhi Statue → Clock Tower → Narayan Chowk, culminating at Netaji Stadium around 8.15 AM. Along the way, teams from the Department of Art & Culture presented vibrant cultural performances and patriotic dances at Hyper Market Junction and Gandhi Statue, spreading the message of national unity. The programme concluded with the National Anthem sung in unison by all dignitaries and participants followed by “Unity Selfies” capturing the spirit of the event.
In his address, Hon’ble MP, Shri Bishnu Pada Ray lauded the efforts of MY Bharat and the Administration for mobilising youth and the community for a national cause. He commended the inclusion of the Nasha Mukti Pledge and emphasised the need to protect the younger generation from substance abuse to build a stronger healthier India.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Arjun Sharma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), highlighted the significance of the Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose vision of unity and integrity continues to inspire generations. He urged the youth to emulate Sardar Patel’s values of courage, leadership and service to the nation.
Swami Shuddhananda Saraswati, President, Chinmaya Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram, in his address, recalled Sardar Patel’s timeless message of unity, purity, and selfless service, urging the youth to dedicate themselves to nation-building. Swami Omkarnathananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission, Sri Vijaya Puram also graced the occasion.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri S. R. Biswas, Joint Director, MY Bharat, who acknowledged the exemplary cooperation of all supporting Departments — Police Department, SVPMC, APWD, Directorate of Health Services, Department of Art & Culture, Department of Education, Department of IP&T, and the District Administration — for their efficient coordination and logistical assistance.
The District-Level “Sardar@150 – Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra” truly embodied the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat, fostering national unity, integrity and social harmony among the youth and citizens of the Islands.