NE NEWS SERVICE
AHMEDABAD, DEC 6
At a historic gathering at Ekta Nagar, C. P. Radhakrishnan led the closing ceremony of the Sardar @150 Unity March – National Padyatra, paying powerful tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the values that shaped modern India.
Hon’ble Vice-President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan graced the Closing Ceremony of the Sardar@150 Unity March – National Padyatra at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President stated that India will always remain indebted to Sardar Patel, whose leadership… pic.twitter.com/PAeWEkf1oD
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) December 6, 2025
Addressing thousands of participants at the foot of the Statue of Unity, he said the padyatra’s culmination was “a profound honour”, marking his first official visit to the land of Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel since assuming office.
- VP Radhakrishnan says India owes eternal gratitude to Sardar Patel for unifying 560 princely states
- Youth power, national security and women-led development placed at centre of New India vision
- Operation Sindoor, labour reforms and rapid national progress highlighted at Ekta Nagar ceremony
- 10-day padyatra from Karamsad to Statue of Unity reaffirms Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat
- Statue of Unity becomes the symbolic altar of India’s unity, resilience and future resolve
He underlined the symbolic significance of the padyatra beginning on Constitution Day (26 November) and praised the participation of over 14 lakh youth across 1,300 padyatras, reflecting “the enduring flame of unity lit by Sardar Patel.”
‘India will always remain indebted to Sardar Patel’
Paying a deep tribute to the Iron Man’s nation-building legacy, the Vice-President said: “Our nation will always remain indebted to the Iron Man of India for unifying and laying the strong foundation of Akhand Bharat.”
He recalled his own padyatra experiences—including a 19,000 km Rath Yatra and statewide yatras for river-linking, combating terrorism, promoting a uniform civil code, eliminating untouchability and fighting narcotic drugs—stating that such journeys “connect people to a sense of unity and national purpose.”
‘Sardar’s dream of a strong, self-reliant India is becoming reality’
The Vice-President said India has witnessed “rapid progress economically, socially, militarily and strategically in the last decade”, adding that Sardar Patel’s vision of a united, resilient and self-reliant nation is taking shape under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Highlighting national security, he said Operation Sindoor stands as “a defining moment showcasing India’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and counter cross-border terrorism.”
He also described the four new Labour Codes as a major milestone towards “a fair, inclusive and progressive framework for workers, reflecting the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayaas.”
Youth as the engine of India’s future
Calling India’s youth “a powerhouse of talent”, he said they can transform the nation into a global leader in innovation and development when anchored in unity, discipline and national purpose.
He urged young citizens to
- firmly reject drugs,
- use social media responsibly, and
- champion digital literacy and cyber safety.
The Vice-President also noted the dynamic participation of women, emphasising that the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has moved India from women’s empowerment to women-led development.
A nationwide march ending at the world’s tallest symbol of unity
The 10-day national padyatra—from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity—covered 180 km, symbolising self-reliance, environmental stewardship and India’s march toward Viksit Bharat @2047.
He said India pays homage not only to Sardar Patel but also to “the spirit of a New India” as the padyatra concludes at the world’s tallest statue.
Earlier during the visit, the Vice-President received a Guard of Honour at Ekta Nagar and offered floral tributes at the Statue of Unity.
