Chandigarh, 31st October ,2025-The Punjab Governor and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. Gulab Chand Kataria, led the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ held at Sukhna Lake to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of India’s Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event, organized by the Chandigarh Administration in collaboration with MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, witnessed enthusiastic participation from around 800 youth and NSS volunteers.

On this occasion, the Governor administered the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat’ and ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ pledges to all participants, reaffirming the collective commitment to building a drug-free, self-reliant, and united India.

Addressing the gathering, Sh. Kataria said that the ‘Sardar@150 Unity March’ is not merely a commemorative event but a powerful national movement to awaken the spirit of unity, integrity, and service among the youth.

He remarked, “Sardar Patel played a monumental role in the unification of India. If we take a pledge in our hearts and think deeply about what Sardar Patel did for the country, each one of us will feel inspired to contribute something meaningful to the nation.”

Encouraging the youth to act with dedication, the Governor added, “Whatever you do, do it with complete devotion to the nation. Let us make every possible effort to build an ‘Akhanda Bharat’ — a united and strong India.”

The Governor appreciated the enthusiastic participation of around 800 youth and NSS volunteers in the march and said that their collective stride symbolized the spirit of national solidarity and youth power.

Recalling the remarkable leadership of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Sh. Kataria said that after Independence, India faced the enormous challenge of integrating 562 princely states — a task Sardar Patel accomplished with unmatched determination, strategic wisdom, and unshakable resolve. “If Sardar Patel had not been there, the map of India would not have been what it is today. His leadership gave India its unity, stability, and strength,” he said.

The Governor further highlighted Sardar Patel’s instrumental role in shaping India’s Civil Services, including the establishment of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS). “It was due to his vision that the administrative system of independent India was built on integrity, efficiency, and discipline. That is why he is rightly remembered as the ‘Patron Saint of Indian Civil Services,’” he noted.

Encouraging the youth to draw inspiration from Patel’s life, Sh. Kataria said, “Sardar Patel united the territories of India; now it is our responsibility to unite hearts and strengthen the nation through our actions and character.” He also emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, India is advancing towards Viksit Bharat @2047, and the youth will be the strongest pillar of this transformation.

Sh.Kataria urged the young generation to stay away from drugs and dedicate themselves to the service of the nation. “A strong and self-reliant India can only be built by disciplined, healthy, and responsible youth,” he said, adding that self-reliance reflects not only economic independence but also moral and social strength.