Wimberlygunj, Nov. 23: The District-Level Sardar@150 – Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra was successfully organised recently at Wimberlygunj (Ferrargunj Block) by MY Bharat, Sri Vijaya Puram, in collaboration with the Andaman & Nicobar Administration, commemorating the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India. More than 700 youth and community members from NSS, NCC, MY Bharat, educational institutions, PRIs, NGOs, and civil society enthusiastically participated in the unity march.
The programme began at Stewartgunj Gram Panchayat with the Nasha Mukt Pledge, followed by the ceremonial Flag-off by the dignitaries. The padyatra proceeded through Stewartgunj and Check-Post, where a short cultural presentation was offered by the Art & Culture Department, before culminating at the Mini Stadium, Wimberly Gunj.
At the Mini Stadium, Shri S. R. Biswas, Joint Director, MY Bharat, delivered the welcome address, highlighting the significance of the Sardar@150 initiative and emphasising youth empowerment, unity, and the need for a drug-free society. A vibrant cultural programme followed, featuring patriotic items performed by GMSSS Ferrargunj, Iqra Public School, Crescent Public School, MES Azad Nagar, and GMS Kanyapuram, showcasing national integration, patriotism, and cultural harmony.
The event was graced by Ms. Mariyam Bibi, Zila Parishad Member, Smti. Rashida Bibi, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Stewartgunj, Shri M. K. Hussain, Pradhan, Gram Panchayat Stewartgunj, Shri P. Abdul Basheer, Pradhan, Kanyapuram, Shri Venket Ram Babu, Pradhan, Wimberlygunj and Shri A. Umar, Zila Parishad Member.
Smti. D. Padmawathi, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti Ferrargunj, attended as the guest of honour. The chief guest, Shri Prakash Adhikari, Adhyaksh, Zilla Parishad South Andaman, paid homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monumental role in national integration and appreciated the strong turnout and collaborative efforts of youth groups, PRIs, and community organisations.
A Prize Distribution Ceremony was held to felicitate the winners of the Essay, Drawing, and Elocution competitions conducted under the Sardar@150 pre-event activities. Special Appreciation Awards were presented to Dr. Sunita Patil, Secretary, Andaman Mahila Mandal, and Shri Abdul Basheer, President, Nai Manzil, for their outstanding support, coordination, and community mobilisation during the padyatra events at Sri Vijaya Puram (10th November, 2025) and Wimberlygunj (20th November, 2025).