Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Friday paid floral tributes to the Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, at Ghantaghar on his birth anniversary and flagged off the Unity March Walkathon. On this occasion, he also administered pledges promoting Swadeshi and a drug-free Uttarakhand.
The Chief Minister said that Sardar Patel’s unmatched courage, foresight, and dedication to national unity were the foundation of a strong and united India. It was due to his tireless efforts that over 560 princely states were integrated to form an indivisible nation. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision in 2014 to observe Patel’s birth anniversary as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas is a true tribute to his legacy.
Highlighting the statewide campaign, the Chief Minister informed that Walkathon for Unity programs are being organized in every district till November 16. Each event includes an 8–10 km walk to spread awareness about Nasha Mukt Bharat, Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam, and Atmanirbhar Bharat, promoting social harmony and responsibility.
Dhami emphasized that the Walkathon is not merely a physical event but a symbol of unity in diversity, aiming to inspire youth towards nation-building, discipline, and service. He urged the youth to imbibe Sardar Patel’s ideals and actively contribute towards the vision of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
He reiterated the state government’s commitment to making Uttarakhand one of India’s leading states and called upon every citizen to unite in realizing this vision.
The event saw the presence of Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi, Rekha Arya, Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal, MLAs Khajan Das and Savita Kapoor, DM Dehradun Savin Bansal, SSP Ajay Singh, CDO Abhinav Shah, SDM Harigir, Project Director Vikram Singh, DDO Sunil Kumar, Deputy Director Monika Nandal, CEO V.K. Dhoundiyal, along with students, Anganwadi workers, civil organizations, and ex-servicemen.
As part of Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary celebrations, the district administration will continue organizing Unity March programs across various locations until November 16, including similar events in Doiwala and Vikasnagar.
