Kumar Bahukhandi
Raipur: In a stirring tribute to the legacy of Iron Man of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai led the state’s National Unity Day celebrations at Raipur’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Hockey Stadium. The event, organised by the Department of Sports and Youth Welfare, commemorated Sardar VallabhBhai Patel’s 150th birth anniversary with tributes, cultural events, and calls for national solidarity.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai hailed Sardar Patel’s historic role in unifying 562 princely states into one nation after independence – a feat he described as “a testament to Patel’s foresight, discipline, and unyielding willpower.”
“His life embodies the spirit of unity, integrity, and selfless service,” Sai said. “The ‘Run for Unity’ is not merely a symbol of national integration — it’s a reminder of collective energy and fitness that strengthens the nation from within.”
The celebration drew wide participation, including Deputy Chief Minister and Sports Minister Arun Sao, Minister of Skill Development and Technical Education Guru Khushwant Saheb, and MLA Rajesh Munat. In his address, Arun Sao underscored Sardar VallabhBhai Patel’s contribution to both India’s freedom movement and farmers’ rights, announcing that statues of Sardar Patel will soon be installed in all divisional headquarters across Chhattisgarh. Each statue, he added, will be funded with ₹50 lakh from the Department of Urban Administration and Development.
Chief Minister Sai also honored descendants of freedom fighters, presenting shawls and mementos as a mark of gratitude. He administered an oath promoting the use of swadeshi (indigenous) goods and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening self-reliance.
Beyond the ceremonial, the day was a celebration of youth engagement. College students competed in rangoli, painting, elocution, and poetry contests, while Chief Minister Sai flagged off the Run for Unity marathon and the Bastar Olympics Awareness Van, which will tour the Bastar division to promote the upcoming regional games.
Welcoming participants, Sports Secretary Yashwant Kumar detailed the Sardar@150 Unity March — a six-week campaign of events honoring Patel’s life and message. He said the series aims to “inspire civic consciousness, fitness, and collective resolve” among Chhattisgarh’s youth.
The event concluded with cultural performances, student exhibitions, and collective chants of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” — One India, Great India — echoing through the stadium, a fitting homage to the man who stitched a fragmented nation into unity.
