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Tura, 23rd November 2025: The District Administration, West Garo Hills, in collaboration with Nehru Yuva Kendra and the District Sports Office, successfully organised the District Level Padyatra (Unity March) on Saturday morning in Tura to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and a key architect of national integration. The event was also held to promote the national spirit of Ek Bharat, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, echoing the message of unity, patriotism and self-reliance.

The program began at William Point Tura with a ceremonial garlanding of a portrait of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Smt. Linda B.K. Sangma, Deputy Director, Mera Yuva Bharat, West Garo Hills, delivered the welcome address, followed by a patriotic performance by Pingera Cultural Club.

The Unity March was flagged off by the Chief Guest, Shri Marcuise N. Marak, Minister of Housing, PHE & Soil & Water Conservation Department, and West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, Shri Abraham T. Sangma, Superintendent of Police (SP), Shri Bernard N. Marak, MDC Tura, and Shri Saljagring M. Marak, District Sports Officer, along with other officials, students and civil society members were also presented in the program.

In his address, Chief Guest Marcuise N. Marak termed the Unity March as a historic event, organised in honour of a “veritable Titan and steadfast steward who believed India is One.” He linked Sardar Patel’s legacy to present-day nation-building efforts led by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi under the vision of Viksit Bharat. Shri Marak highlighted that today’s march forms part of the nationwide Sardar@150 Unity March initiative launched on 6th October 2025 by the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya.

He urged the youth to embrace the values of love, unity, peace and brotherhood and reminded them that just as Sardar Patel shaped India with courage and conviction, today’s generation too carries the responsibility of strengthening the nation.

Following the Minister’s remarks, Deputy Commissioner Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, addressed the gathering. He noted that the Unity March symbolised collective responsibility toward national development and underscored the relevance of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission. Encouraging support for local products and entrepreneurship, he cited local LED bulb manufacturing in the district as an example of grassroots innovation contributing to livelihood generation and economic self-reliance. He expressed confidence that adopting and promoting similar initiatives would contribute to a stronger and self-reliant India.

Participants later took the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to unity, responsible citizenship and national progress.

The padyatra route covered from William Point Hawakhana, Tetengkol, Jerusalem Hawakhana Petrol Pump, Members Hostel, Babupara, concluding at DC Park. Hundreds of youths, residents, government officials and community leaders walked together, symbolising unity and shared purpose.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Saljagring M. Marak, District Sports Officer, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, participants, volunteers and supporting agencies for making the event successful and meaningful.

Today’s Unity March stood as a fitting tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—a visionary whose leadership unified India—and inspired participants to uphold the values of unity, strength and nation-building for generations to come.