- VP C. P. Radhakrishnan addresses closing ceremony of Sardar @150 Unity March at Ekta Nagar
- Says Patel’s leadership united over 560 princely states and laid foundation of Akhand Bharat
- Highlights India’s rapid progress, stronger defence capability and youth potential
- Calls Sardar Patel’s ideals guiding force for India’s journey toward Viksit Bharat @2047
GG News Bureau
Ahmedabad, 6th Dec: Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan on Saturday attended the closing ceremony of the Sardar @150 Unity March – National Padyatra at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat. The event marked the culmination of a 10-day march celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the Government of India’s year-long commemorative initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice-President said it was a profound honour to participate in the concluding ceremony of the historic padyatra on his first official visit to Gujarat since assuming office. He noted that the march, which began on Samvidhaan Diwas (26 November), reflected the enduring legacy of Sardar Patel’s message of unity, with over 14 lakh youth taking part in more than 1,300 padyatras across the country.
Paying tribute to India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, he said, “India will always remain indebted to Sardar Patel, whose leadership unified over 560 princely states and laid the foundation of Akhand Bharat.”
The Vice-President said that Patel’s vision of a strong and self-reliant India is becoming a reality under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, highlighting that India has witnessed rapid progress in the past decade—economically, socially, militarily and strategically—while moving steadily toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy.
Addressing the country’s youth, he described them as the “powerhouse of India’s future”, capable of turning India into a global leader in innovation and development. He urged them to reject drugs, use social media responsibly and contribute to digital literacy and cyber awareness.
Radhakrishnan also praised the large participation of women in the event, crediting the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam for shifting the national discourse from women’s empowerment to women-led development.
On national security, the Vice-President said India’s defence capabilities have strengthened significantly over the years. He cited Operation Sindoor as a defining moment that showcased India’s firm resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and protect its sovereignty.
He further noted that the four new Labour Codes represent a major reform that aligns with the ideals of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas, modernising India’s labour ecosystem into a more inclusive and transparent framework.
Earlier in the day, the Vice-President received a Guard of Honour at Ekta Nagar and paid floral tributes to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at the Statue of Unity.
The padyatra, covering 180 kilometres from Karamsad to Ekta Nagar, symbolised self-reliance and environmental consciousness. Conceived under the vision of Prime Minister Modi, the march reaffirmed the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
The event was attended by Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Raksha Khadse, Tokhan Sahu and other dignitaries.
