To commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, the District Administration Rajouri in collaboration with MY Bharat today organised a district-level Sardar@150 Padyatra (Run for Unity) from Danidhar Fort to Dak Bungalow Rajouri.
The event was flagged off by DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Tejinder Singh, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma and SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, who also participated in the Padyatra along with students, local youth and government employees.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, said that the Run for Unity symbolises the spirit of national integration and collective strength. “This event aims to unite the youth and remind everyone of Sardar Patel’s immense contribution in integrating the nation.
It is not merely a run, but a tribute to the values of unity, integrity and determination that he stood for. Thousands of students, youth, and government employees enthusiastically participated in the march, which culminated at Dak Bungalow Rajouri where a Pledge for Unity and Integrity was administered.
A series of cultural performances depicting the theme of unity and nation-building were presented by students, followed by the felicitation of participants and a plantation drive symbolising harmony with nature. Various government departments also set up stalls to showcase welfare schemes and public outreach initiatives during the event.
Similar Sardar@150 Unity Marches were also organised across the district at Sunderbani, Nowshera, Kotranka and Thanamandi witnessing active participation from all sections of society. The event concluded with a collective resolve to uphold the ideals of unity, integrity and national service espoused by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Among others, ADDC Rajouri Malikzada Sheraz ul Haq, ADC Rajouri Chander Prakash, ACR Mohd Jahangir Khan, ACD Auqil Naveed and other district and sectoral officers were also present on the occasion.