Dr Jitendra Singh Flags Off ‘Unity March Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat’ in Kathua
Kathua, : Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh today flagged off the inaugural ‘Unity March Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat’ Padyatra in Kathua, marking the beginning of a nationwide campaign to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
A large number of students, NCC cadets, public representatives, and locals participated in the march, which started from Dream Land Park and concluded at the Government Degree College (GDC) Kathua. The Sardar@150 Unity March aims to inspire the youth with the ideals of unity, patriotism, and responsibility towards the nation.
Speaking at a press conference after the event, Dr Jitendra Singh said that if Sardar Patel had been allowed a free hand, the issue of Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) would not have arisen, and the history of J&K — and indeed of India — would have been different. He blamed then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru for not allowing Patel, the Home Minister at the time, to handle Jammu and Kashmir as he did other princely states, which led to the creation of PoJK. Dr Singh added that Nehru’s decision to declare a unilateral ceasefire, without consulting Patel or his cabinet, stopped the Indian forces from fully reclaiming the territory.
Hailing Sardar Patel’s leadership in integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union, Dr Singh said both Patel and Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee remain among the most underrated leaders of independent India. He credited Patel’s timely intervention for saving Srinagar during the 1947 tribal invasion, emphasizing that his decisive actions as Home Minister preserved India’s unity in its most critical hour.
Dr Singh said the Unity March embodies Sardar Patel’s vision by motivating youth to uphold the ideals of ‘Ek Bharat, Akhand Bharat’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. The march will also promote awareness on key national causes, including drug eradication, cleanliness (Swachhata), and promotion of indigenous (Swadeshi) products, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a united and self-reliant India.
He noted that Prime Minister Modi has carried forward Sardar Patel’s legacy by establishing the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat — a national symbol of unity built from the contributions of citizens across India.
Recalling Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee’s sacrifice for the integration of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr Singh said he too epitomized the “nation first” spirit and laid down his life for the cause of India’s unity.
Providing details about the campaign, Dr Singh said the ‘Unity March Ek Bharat – Atmanirbhar Bharat’ began digitally on October 6, 2025, and will unfold in two phases. The district-level padyatras (October 31 – November 25) will feature 8–10 km walks in every district, alongside essay competitions, seminars on Sardar Patel’s life, and pledges for a ‘Drug-Free India’ and ‘Proudly Swadeshi’ movement. The campaign will culminate on November 26, Constitution Day, with a historic march from Karamsad (Patel’s birthplace) to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, symbolizing the spirit of unity and self-reliance envisioned by Patel and carried forward by PM Modi.
Dr Singh described the Sardar@150 Unity March as more than just an event — a nationwide movement to reignite national pride and unity among the youth. Young citizens across India are participating in digital challenges, social media campaigns, and the Young Leaders Program through the MY Bharat portal, transforming the initiative into a mass movement of inspiration and awareness.
Highlighting the upcoming district-level marches from October 31 to November 25, Dr Singh said these will cover various villages and towns of Kathua district and include yoga camps, health drives, debates, and awareness programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and other youth-focused initiatives.
Nodal Officer Bhushan Gupta added that students, NCC and NSS volunteers, and MY Bharat participants will join hands during these padyatras to promote the message of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
