On the historic occasion of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, led large-scale ‘Ekta Yatras’ (Unity Marches) in Malkapur, Buldhana district, and Bhusawal, Jalgaon district, Maharashtra. Organized under the nationwide Sardar@150 campaign initiated by the My Bharat platform of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the marches witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, students, volunteers, and local citizens, creating a vibrant celebration of national unity and civic spirit.
Addressing the crowd at Malkapur, Khadse recalled Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy: “The India we are proud of today — united, strong, and diverse — stands as the result of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s unmatched resolve and vision to integrate over 560 princely states into one nation. This march reaffirms our collective commitment to Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this movement emphasizes Jan Bhagidari and youth-led nation-building.”
The Malkapur march saw active participation from local residents, students, and volunteers. Key dignitaries included Eknath Khadse, MLC; Chainsukh Madanlal Sancheti, MLA, Malkapur; Dr. Arvind Kolte; Dr. Anil Kharche; Dr. Sudhir Chavan; Pranit Sangavikar, District Youth Officer; Ramrao Jhambre; and Dnyandev Waghode, along with senior district administration officials.
In the afternoon, the Bhusawal Unity March drew massive crowds lining the streets in solidarity. The event was attended by Girish Mahajan, Minister of Water Resources and Disaster Management, and Sanjay Savkare, Minister of Textiles, Government of Maharashtra, along with district officials including Abhishek Chavare, District Youth Officer. Both marches showcased thousands of participants carrying banners and chanting slogans celebrating unity, patriotism, and national pride.
Khadse highlighted that My Bharat is evolving into a youth-driven movement connecting millions of young minds to India’s development journey. She urged participants to translate the spirit of Ekta Yatra into everyday action through service, innovation, and grassroots leadership.
The Unity Marches at Malkapur and Bhusawal marked a key contribution to the Sardar@150 national campaign, launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to promote unity, integrity, and collective nation-building — a fitting tribute to the Iron Man of India.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
