News & Announcement

Unity March Held in Soreng District to Honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary

Date: 25-Nov-2025
Soreng, November 25 (IPR): As part of the observance to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the revered “Iron Man of India”, the Sardar @150 Unity March was organised today in Soreng District by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, in collaboration with the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Soreng and My Bharat, Sikkim.
The event began with the Padyatra being flagged off by the Chief Guest Chairman (Tribal Welfare Board) Mr PK Subba, followed by the administration of the National Unity Pledge to officials and participants. The march from the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Soreng, to the Rurban Complex concluded with a short formal programme honouring Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s enduring legacy and the spirit of unity.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp, followed by the offering of khadas to the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
The event was graced by Chairman (Tribal Welfare Board) Mr PK Subba as the Chief Guest for the day, accompanied by Advisor (SISCO) Mr CN Sharma as the Guest of Honour. They were joined by Zilla Panchayat Members, Panchayat Members, OSDs, DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi, ADC (Dev) Mr Gaayas Pega and ASP Mr Parshu Ram Sharma.
The house was addressed by the Chief Guest Chairman (Tribal Welfare Board) Mr PK Subba, who welcomed the gathering and congratulated everyone on the occasion. He then, expressed his gratitude to the organising committee for inviting him to be part of the celebration. He also, acknowledged the enthusiastic participation in the Unity March, noting the Vande Mataram chants in unison and sharing that the energy of the students had been particularly inspiring. Describing them as the future of the nation, he encouraged the young participants to continue demonstrating such spirit.
In his address, he spoke on the significance of the day and highlighted the outstanding contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel towards the nation. He emphasised the immense impact of Patel’s work and urged everyone to remember and draw inspiration from his legacy, ensuring that future generations continue to recognise and value his contributions.
Earlier, DC (Soreng) Mr Dhiraj Subedi delivered the welcome address, extending his greetings to all present at the event. In his detailed introductory remarks, he elaborated on the significance of the Unity March and the enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He highlighted Patel’s visionary leadership, his role in unifying the nation and his contributions to building a strong administrative framework, notably as the Founder of the “All India Services”. He also spoke about his emphasis on equal employment opportunities, the essence of cooperative federalism and how these principles have shaped the modern concept of competitive federalism among states.
He further, reflected on how Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s values continue to influence the nation’s governance and social fabric. Concluding his address, he encouraged everyone to draw lasting inspiration from his life and teachings, emphasising that these ideals should remain a guiding force for collective progress and unity.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Director (My Bharat, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India) Mr Mangalram Jakar, highlighted the purpose behind the Sardar@150 Unity March. He spoke about the contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and the values of oneness and unity that defined his vision and purpose. He emphasised that such events help create an atmosphere that strengthens the spirit of unity. He also, explained that the objective of the march was not only to honour the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but to encourage youth involvement and promote their active participation across various sectors. He added that these efforts support the larger goal of nation building and contribute towards the vision of a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
As part of the celebration, the event also featured traditional and cultural dance performances and songs.
As a token of appreciation, mementos were presented to the Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and the participants. Ms Renuka Rai was recognised as the “Icon of the Day” and was felicitated with a memento for her remarkable achievement as a Silver Medalist in Kick-boxing at the Asian Games.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Program Manager (Piramal Foundation) Mr Dev Nepal and the host for the day was DPO (DDMA) Ms Rajni Pega.
The event was also attended by SDM (HQ) Mr Prem K Subba, SDM (Soreng) Ms Sakchum Lepcha, Joint Director (Fisheries) Mr Lobsang Tamang, Deputy Director (Sports & Youth Affairs) Ms Mamita Gurung, Senior Welfare Officer Ms Prativa Tamang, DFO (T) Ms Peggyla Venchungpa, DPO (Zilla) Mr Kumar Subba, DPO (DDMA) Ms Rajni Pega, Heads of Departments, Officers and Officials of various line departments, BDOs, Ex-servicemen, Representatives of Badminton Association and NGOs, Teachers and students from PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School Soreng, NCC, NSS, NSS volunteers from B. Ed. College Soreng and Chakung Science College at large.