Sambalpur, November 25: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan led Ekta Padayatra (Unity March) in Sambalpur, to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Tuesday.

The padayatra, from Reserve Police Ground to Government Women’s College, was attended by Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Higher Education, Sports & Youth Services and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and Sambalpur MLA Jaynarayan Mishra.

A large number of students, youth and citizens participated in the march, carrying messages of unity and patriotism. Students proudly held Tricolour, symbolising the spirit of togetherness.

The padayatra was organsied by the Sports and Culture Department as part of the ongoing nation-wide Ekta Padayatra to mark Sardar Patel's legacy.

At a subsequent public meeting in the Government Women’s College, Pradhan urged the people, particularly students to take pledge to uphold the ideals of Sardar Patel, known as the iron man of India and continue working towards national integration.

“Sardar Patel was the true architect of modern India. Odisha will complete 100 years of formation in 2036 while India will complete 100 years of independence in 2047. We also believe that a 'Viksit' Sambalpur will lead to a developed Odisha and a developed India. So, I urge you all to take a pledge to make a developed Odisha by 2036 and a developed nation by 2047,” said Pradhan.

Highlining the sacrifices of Sardar Patel in keeping the country united on the thread of unity is unparalleled, Pradhan said, “His extraordinary leadership stitched together the fabric of this great nation.”

The marches, are being held under the nationwide Sardar@150 campaign initiated by the My Bharat platform of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, creating a vibrant celebration of national unity and civic spirit.