Vadodara (Gujarat)

Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday praised the widespread public participation in the Padyatra commemorating Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th birth anniversary, calling it a symbol of India's collective respect for its heritage and sacrifices.

Speaking to ANI, Goyal stressed that the march reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a prosperous, developed India, with people from all religions and communities joining in.

आज वडोदरा में मंत्री @MansukhMandviya जी एवं मंत्री @DrVirendraKum13 जी के साथ सरदार पटेल की 150वीं जन्मजयंती पर आयोजित Unity March (पदयात्रा) में सम्मिलित होने का सौभाग्य मिला।

वडोदरा में कदम रखते ही सरदार पटेल की विरासत का गर्व महसूस होता है। उनकी दृढ़ता से अनेक रियासतें मिलकर… pic.twitter.com/i8ZMCRuBUB

— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) November 29, 2025

"Remembering and paying tribute to our heritage, culture, and ancestors who sacrificed their lives for the country, this Padyatra symbolises what Prime Minister Modi envisioned for a prosperous, developed India. I congratulate the Prime Minister on the entire society joining this Padyatra. People from every religion, community, and different attire across the country have participated," he said.

The Union Minister also lauded Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and his team for successfully organising the Padyatra and spreading its message across the country.

"I commend Mansukh Bhai Mandaviya and his entire team for organising this Padyatra according to the Prime Minister's guidance and for sending a message nationwide about how the country salutes, honours, and commemorates Sardar's sacrifice, work, and his 150th anniversary," Goyal said.

The Yatra, starting on Wednesday, November 26, will conclude on December 6.

The Indian government has launched a two-year celebration for Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 150th anniversary on October 31, 2024, at the statue of Unity.

The government has launched a Rs 150 commemorative coin, a postal stamp, a special book "Vallabh", and a documentary on Patel unifying over 560 princely states.

READ MORE: Unity Reel Challenge: Showcase India’s unity in 90 seconds and win a bumper prize

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, "The padyatra has started, and we arrived in Vadodara on the 4th day. Thousands of young people from all over the country have participated. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel always emphasised unity and the importance of uniting the nation. PM Modi's vision is to transform India into a great, self-reliant, and developed country. The youth involved in the padyatra are spreading messages of unity, self-reliance, and progress. The growing crowd indicates that these young participants will help turn PM Modi's goal of a developed India into reality."