- By Akansha Pandey
- Fri, 31 Oct 2025 01:40 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami paid floral tributes to the statue of 'Iron Man' Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Ghantaghar on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Friday. The Chief Minister then launched the Ekta Padyatra (Unity March), in which he also participated.
During the event, he also administered an oath for the adoption of Swadeshi (indigenous goods) and for a drug-free Uttarakhand.
Tribute To The 'Iron Man'
Paying homage to India's Iron Man and Bharat Ratna recipient, the Chief Minister said that it is because of Sardar Patel's indomitable courage, foresight, and spirit of dedication to the nation that India stands today as a powerful and unified nation.
The Chief Minister stated that Sardar Patel's entire life was dedicated to the unity and integrity of the country, noting that he created an undivided India by integrating more than 560 princely states. He added that honouring this contribution, Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided in 2014 to celebrate his birth anniversary as 'National Unity Day', which is a true tribute to him.
State-Wide Campaigns And Walkathons
The Chief Minister announced that walkathon programmes will be organised at three locations in each district across the state until November 16.
At each event venue, public awareness campaigns will be linked with the 8 to 10-kilometre walk to convey a positive message to society. These campaigns include:
- Drug-Free India
- A Tree in Mother's Name
- Self-reliant India
- Call To Youth And Citizens
The Chief Minister said that this walkathon is "not just a race, but a means to strengthen the spirit of unity in India's diversity." He stated this will strengthen the spirit of nation-building, discipline, and service among the youth.
He called upon the youth to play an active role in realising the vision of 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Great India) by imbibing the ideals of Sardar Patel.
The Chief Minister affirmed that the state government is continuously working towards the goal of making Uttarakhand the best state in the country. He called upon all citizens of the state to unite and contribute to realising this resolution.
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Dignitaries Present
The following individuals were present on this occasion:
- Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Ganesh Joshi, and Rekha Arya
- Rajya Sabha MP Naresh Bansal
- MLAs Khajandas and Savita Kapoor
- Other public representatives
- Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal
-SSP Ajay Singh