my uttarakhand news Bureau
Khatima, 24 Oct: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today chaired a virtual meeting from the Lohiahead Guest House in Khatima to review preparations for the ‘Sardar@150 Campaign’, to be organised to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the architect of national unity, the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
During the meeting, the CM directed all the District Magistrates (DMs) to formulate comprehensive action plans for the successful conduct of the ‘Ekta March’ (Unity March) and directed a grand arrangement of cultural and public awareness programmes in educational institutions across the state on this occasion. Dhami also emphasised upon the importance of ensuring active participation from youth, women, local bodies, NCC cadets, self-help groups, elected representatives, and various social organisations to extend the campaign’s outreach and impact.
Dhami instructed that the details of all the scheduled programmes be shared at the state level to maximise public engagement. He reiterated that the core objective of the ‘Sardar@150 Campaign’ is to disseminate the message of national unity to every household. The CM also stressed on the need to organise the campaign in an inspirational and impactful manner, that can highlight Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s monumental contributions and his unwavering commitment to the vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). He stressed that the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel must be celebrated in a historic fashion, enabling the younger generation to draw inspiration from his life and ideals.
Recalling Patel’s indomitable courage, resolute will, and administrative acumen, Dhami said that it was through his efforts that India emerged as a powerful and unified nation. He credited Patel with laying the foundation of a united India by integrating the country’s numerous princely states and acknowledged his diplomatic foresight as a cornerstone in the history of independent India. The CM further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has carried forward Sardar Patel’s legacy, and under his leadership, the country is progressing across all sectors with the guiding vision of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’. He noted that the PM paid rich tribute to Patel by commissioning the ‘Statue of Unity’ in Kevadia, Gujarat, which is the tallest statue in the world and also a symbol of India’s unity, integrity, and national pride. Dhami affirmed that Patel’s ideals continue to inspire the nation towards unity, harmony, and strength.
During the meeting, it was shared that citizens across the state are registering on the My Bharat portal under the ‘Sardar@150 Campaign’, which includes activities such as social media reel competitions, essay writing, quizzes, and the ‘Sardar@150 Young Leaders’ initiative. It was also shared that the ‘Ekta March’ will be organised in all 13 districts of the state between 31 October and 16 November. Each march will span three days, covering a pedestrian route of 8 to 10 kilometres, and will be open to participation by any citizen. A national-level foot march covering 152 kilometres will also be organised from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia from 26 November to 6 December. Two young participants from each district of Uttarakhand will be selected via the My Bharat portal to join this journey.
Among those present at the meeting included DM, Udham Singh Nagar, Nitin Bhadoria, DM, Champawat, Manish Kumar, SSP, Udham Singh Nagar, Manikanth Mishra, and, via virtual mode, Special Principal Secretary, Sports, Amit Sinha, Director General, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari, along with all other DMs joining virtually.
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