Health Drives, Podcast and Sessions Mark Sardar@150 Celebrations Across Islands

A series of commemorative events and awareness programmes have been organized across the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Sardar@150 – Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra, celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The initiatives, led by the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) and supported by MY Bharat under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, blended themes of national unity, youth empowerment, and public health.

The two-day pre-event activities were conducted on 6th and 7th November 2025 at Tagore Government College of Education, Andaman College, and Jawaharlal Nehru Rajkeeya Mahavidyalaya, as part of the build-up to the district-level Rashtriya Ekta Padyatra held on 10th November at Sri Vijaya Puram. The events aimed to reinforce the ideals of unity, strength, and nation-building envisioned by Sardar Patel, while promoting the theme of “Unity through Well-being.”

Teams from the Directorate of Health Services led the health awareness and counselling camps, focusing on preventive healthcare and lifestyle management. The initiative brought together medical officers including Dr. Reshma, Dr. Vandana Kumari Singh, Dr. Neena Alex, Dr. Shweta, and Dr. Shalini Singh, all part of the Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) wing.

Over 500 students participated in health screenings, counselling sessions, and interactive discussions on mental health, nutrition, stress management, adolescent well-being, and hygiene. The outreach aimed to empower young participants to adopt healthy living practices and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive society through wellness and awareness.

Adding an educational dimension to the celebrations, a special session and podcast on “The Life and Achievements of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel” was held at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute of Technology (DBRAIT), Pahargaon, under the guidance of Altamash Mustafa, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering and Event Coordinator. The session sought to inspire today’s youth by revisiting Patel’s visionary leadership and his pivotal role in integrating the princely states post-Independence.

The discussion highlighted Patel’s dedication to national unity, discipline, and selfless public service, values that remain deeply relevant in modern India. Mustafa emphasized the importance of adopting Patel’s principles of leadership and civic responsibility to strengthen the social fabric of the nation. During the podcast, students reflected on Patel’s ideals of integrity and determination, sharing personal insights on how these values can guide future generations toward constructive nation-building.

Participants of both the health and educational events responded with enthusiasm, engaging in group activities and volunteer initiatives that merged the spirit of national pride with community well-being. The integration of wellness campaigns and youth-focused dialogues reinforced the message that a united and healthy population is essential for national progress.

Officials noted that linking Rashtriya Ekta with health and educational outreach created a holistic approach to commemorate Patel’s enduring influence. The initiatives also served as a reminder that unity, service, and social responsibility are not abstract ideals but actionable principles that can drive positive change at the community level.

The Sardar@150 observances concluded on an inspiring note, with participants reaffirming their commitment to uphold Patel’s legacy of discipline and national integration. By combining healthcare, education, and civic awareness under a single umbrella, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s effort underscored how the Iron Man’s vision of a united India continues to shape the nation’s collective conscience even 150 years later.