Port Blair Oct 30: Reaffirming the spirit of “Unity in Diversity” and honouring the Iron Man of India, the nation is set to celebrate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel through a year-long programme titled “Sardar@150”, spotlighting his monumental role in uniting India.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, the “Sardar@150” campaign will showcase a series of nationwide events including exhibitions, heritage walks, debates, patriotic runs, and cultural programmes built around five core themes — Unity and Nation Building, Good Governance, Empowering Youth, Rural Development, and Cultural Integrity.
Joining the national celebrations, the A&N Administration will organize a host of activities across the Islands, such as seminars, cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, sports meets, and awareness programmes at schools and community centers to promote national integration and public service.
To mark ‘Rashtriya Ekta Diwas’ (National Unity Day) on October 31, a ‘Run for Unity’ will be held at 6 am from Netaji Stadium, following the route: Netaji Stadium – Clock Tower – Bengali Club – SVPMC Office – Aberdeen Bazar – back to Netaji Stadium. Participants are requested to assemble by 5:50 am, where a Unity Pledge will be administered before the run, reaffirming commitment to the nation’s sovereignty and unity.
Adding a cultural touch, the Department of Art & Culture will organize a Patriotic Song Programme at the District Jail, Prothrapur, and an on-the-spot quiz at the Cellular Jail tomorrow.
Meanwhile, a dedicated Sardar@150 page has been launched on the MY Bharat Portal, serving as a digital hub for all anniversary-related events, competitions, and interactive activities such as the Reel Competition, Unity March, and Podcasts. Registrations remain open till November 2, 2025.
