Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria led the “Sardar@150 Unity March” at Sukhna Lake on Friday to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event, organised by the Chandigarh administration in collaboration with MY Bharat under the Union ministry of youth affairs and sports, was filled with enthusiasm and patriotic spirit.
Around 800 young participants, including National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers and students, took part in the march. The event aimed to spread the message of national unity, drug-free living, and self-reliance among the youth.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Kataria said the Unity March was not just a ceremonial event but a strong message of solidarity and dedication to the nation. He reminded the youth of the significant role Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel played in uniting India after independence. “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,” he said.
Before the march began, the governor administered two national pledges — the “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Drug-Free India) pledge and the “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) pledge. These oaths highlighted the importance of building a united, healthy, and independent nation free from social evils.
The governor encouraged the youth to live with purpose and patriotism. “Whatever you do, do it with complete devotion to the nation,” Kataria said. He urged participants to draw inspiration from Sardar Patel’s dedication and courage. “Now, it is our responsibility to unite hearts and strengthen the nation through our actions and character,” he added.
The event showcased the collective enthusiasm of the young participants, who carried banners and chanted slogans in support of unity and national development. Kataria expressed his appreciation for the youth, saying their participation represented the spirit of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” (One India, Great India).
During his speech, Kataria also highlighted India’s progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” (Developed India by 2047) could only be achieved if the youth continued to work with strength, honesty, and unity. “The youth will be the strongest pillar of this transformation,” he said.
The governor further explained that events like the Unity March help young citizens understand the values of national integrity and social responsibility. He said such activities remind people that unity is not just about territory but also about shared purpose and emotion.
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The march ended with chants of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat; Nasha Mukt Bharat, Aatma Nirbhar Bharat” echoing across Sukhna Lake. Hundreds of participants walked together, waving flags and spreading messages of peace, strength, and unity.
Several senior officials from the Union Territory administration also attended the event, including UT chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad, Chandigarh DGP Sagar Preet Hooda, home secretary Mandip Singh Brar, deputy commissioner Nishant Kumar Yadav, public relations secretary Prerna Puri, personnel secretary Swapnil M Nayak, and sports director Saurabh Arora. Their presence added to the significance of the celebration, showing that the commitment to unity and nation-building was shared across all sections of administration.
Alongside the Unity March, another event was organised at the UT Secretariat, where chief secretary H Rajesh Prasad led the officers and staff of the Chandigarh administration in taking the “Ekta Pledge.”
The pledge reaffirmed their dedication to upholding the unity, integrity, and security of India. It also encouraged government officials to spread this message among fellow citizens, promoting a culture of togetherness and responsibility. Officials said that by participating in such events, the administration aims to set an example for others and strengthen the spirit of national integration.
Participants shared that they felt deeply inspired by the day’s activities. Many young attendees said the event made them feel proud of India’s history and reminded them of their duty to protect its unity. They expressed gratitude for being part of a march that honoured one of India’s greatest leaders, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel — the “Iron Man of India.”
The event concluded with participants waving the national flag and singing patriotic songs. The atmosphere at Sukhna Lake was filled with joy and pride as people from all walks of life came together to honour Sardar Patel’s vision of a united India.
The “Sardar@150 Unity March” reminded everyone that unity is the strength of the nation and that the youth play a vital role in keeping this spirit alive. Governor Kataria’s call for dedication, self-reliance, and patriotism resonated deeply with the crowd.
Through this event, Chandigarh once again demonstrated that the message of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” continues to inspire citizens to work together for peace, progress, and national development.
As the sun set over Sukhna Lake, the echoes of the pledges and chants of the participants symbolised the unwavering commitment of the youth and administration alike — to uphold unity, reject division, and build a strong, united India.
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