The Gujarat government has decided to organize a walking march from Karamsad to Kevadia covering a distance of about 150 km as part of the celebrations of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Karamsad in Anand district is the home village of Sardar Patel and the Statue of Unity of the freedom fighter is located at Kevadiya in Narmada district.
As part of the preparation for the march, a meeting was held at the National Dairy Development Board in Anand on Sunday, in the presence of Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Nikhil Kadse, Gujarat Minister Jitu Vaghani and others.
According to an official statement, Mandaviya said the march would be an effective way to convey Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contribution to the freedom struggle and for the unity of the country to the people.
He added that the walking march should be a symbol of simplicity in harmony with Sardar Patel’s ideas. He also suggested that National Service Scheme (NSS) students should be able to reach the rural areas where the march will pass one week before to apprise people about the life and works of Sardar Patel. Mandaviya also said that all the villagers who contributed to the development of the village during the march should be felicitated.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi said that local artistes should disseminate information about Sardar Patel in cultural programs during night stays.
Agriculture Minister Jitu Vaghani suggested spreading awareness about natural farming through display stalls in villages located on the march route. Faghani suggested congratulating farmers who have adopted natural agriculture.
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Senior officials of the Gujarat government and BJP office bearers like state president Jagdish Vishwakarma, Ratnakar, Sunil Bansal and others were also present at the meeting.
During the meeting, Principal Secretary Department of Sports, Youth and Cultural Affairs Ashwani Kumar gave a detailed presentation on the preparations for the national march and also expressed his commitment to keep it in line with the suggestions made by the ministers. Ministers and dignitaries also visited Sardar Patel’s residence in Anand and paid tributes to him.
(tags for translation)Sardar Patel
