Agartala, November 26, 2025: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha on Wednesday highlighted the unparalleled contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in safeguarding India’s unity and shaping its administrative framework. He was speaking at the flagging-off ceremony of the Sardar@150 Unity March National Padyatra held at Shastri Maidan in Gujarat.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Saha, along with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel, visited Sardar Patel’s ancestral home and offered floral tributes to the national leader’s portrait.

Addressing participants, Dr. Saha said the padyatra was not merely a march but a tribute to the values of unity, courage and nation-building espoused by Sardar Patel. He noted that Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed annually on October 31 to mark Patel’s birth anniversary, serves as a reminder of the importance of national unity. This year’s observance holds added significance as it coincides with the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India.

The Chief Minister said the Sardar@150 Unity March, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports under the ‘My Bharat’ programme, aims to inspire the youth by honouring Patel’s legacy. The campaign seeks to promote the spirit of Ek Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, he added.

Dr. Saha recalled Sardar Patel’s pivotal role as India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, particularly his leadership in integrating nearly 560 princely states into the Union between 1947 and 1949. He described Patel as a tireless champion of national integration whose work laid the foundation of a unified India.

He further said that since 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ensured nationwide observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas to honour Patel’s contribution. This year’s Unity March is being organised in multiple phases across the country, with district-level padyatras held from October 31 to November 25, including widespread participation in Tripura.