To commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a solemn yet spirited Sardar Patel @150 Padyatra was organised today in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The programme highlighted Sardar Patel’s revolutionary role in integrating the nation, strengthening internal unity and shaping India’s modern administrative and constitutional foundation. The event witnessed the esteemed presence of Nabam Rebia, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA & Advisor to the Minister of Youth Affairs; Sports, and Tamme Phassang, Mayor, along with faculty members, youth volunteers and students.
Organised by MY Bharat, Itanagar in collaboration with the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the Padyatra began at Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) and concluded at Tennis Court, IG Park, receiving enthusiastic participation from youth leaders, MY Bharat Volunteers,NSS volunteers, NCC cadets,faculty, and civil society. The programme began with a floral tribute to Sardar Patel and a welcome address by Dr. M.Q. Khan, Principal, DNGC, followed by patriotic cultural performances by NSS volunteers. The dignitaries also planted saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” nationwide initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signifying sustainable development and ecological responsibility.
Chief Guest Nabam Rebia,Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) said in his address, emphasised that Sardar Patel was not only the Architect of United India but also a fearless Satyagrahi who fought with unwavering conviction during the freedom struggle. He stated that Sardar Patel’s courage, discipline and leadership during the Satyagraha movement reflected his deep commitment to truth and national service. He further added, “Today, the essence of Sardar Patel’s vision must reflect in our commitment to make India truly self-reliant.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat is not only an economic mission but a national mindset, rooted in unity, responsibility, skill, dignity of labour and Swadeshi spirit. The youth of Arunachal Pradesh must emerge as frontline contributors to this mission, carrying forward the ideals of national integrity that Sardar Patel lived for.”
In his keynote remarks, Chau Zingnu Namchoom spoke about Sardar Patel’s decisive integration of over 560 princely states and establishment of the All India Services, including IAS and IPS. Tamme Phassang appreciated the organisers for connecting history with youth-led nationalism. During the felicitation ceremony, Gopesh Pandey, Deputy Director, MY Bharat, welcomed the dignitaries with traditional scarves and offered a formal Vote of Thanks appreciating all supporting agencies.
The Padyatra was jointly flagged off by Shri Nabam Rebia, Chau Zingnu Namchoom and Tamme Phassang amidst enthusiastic chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, “Vande Mataram”, “Sardar Patel Amar Rahe” and “Har Ghar Swadeshi”. The Padyatra advanced peacefully and concluded at IG Park, echoing unity, patriotism and community participation. This event forms part of a statewide patriotic youth movement to instill national pride, revive Swadeshi values, and strengthen the spirit of unity, resilience and nation-building among the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.
