The Andaman & Nicobar Administration has rolled out the nationwide Unity March campaign, a two-month-long initiative aimed at promoting the ideals of unity, patriotism, and self-reliance among young people. Launched by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the campaign is being implemented across the Islands in tandem with nationwide activities and will run until December 6, 2025, in tribute to the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
Chairing a meeting at the Secretariat in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 7, Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar said that the Unity March is envisioned as a “historic campaign” that carries forward the goals of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and Viksit Bharat. He stressed that the campaign would especially focus on involving students and youth from schools, colleges, and volunteer organizations through a wide range of activities including padyatras, cultural programs, competitions, and awareness drives.
According to the Administration, the campaign will be implemented across South Andaman, North & Middle Andaman, and Nicobar districts with close monitoring to ensure meaningful participation at the grassroots. Coordination among departments such as Education, Sports & Youth Affairs, as well as local institutions like Panchayati Raj bodies, Tribal Councils, and municipal councils, has been emphasized to turn the initiative into a genuine people’s movement.
The campaign is designed as a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, widely remembered as the Iron Man of India, for his pivotal role in integrating the country’s princely states post-independence. “It is the collective effort of our institutions and citizens that will make this campaign a true people’s movement,” Dr. Kumar remarked while calling for active collaboration.
Education Commissioner-cum-Secretary Chanchal Yadav noted that the state-level launch of Sardar@150 Unity March Campaign in the Islands was a matter of pride. She highlighted that the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with the youth platform MY Bharat, has planned multiple national-level programs to mark the occasion, including digital campaigns and competitions.
Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launched the first phase of the campaign digitally on October 6, inviting young people across the country to participate in contests such as the National Social Media Reel Competition, Essay Writing Competition, and the Sardar@150 Young Leaders Quiz. All entries and activities will be hosted on the MY Bharat portal, providing a single point of engagement for students and volunteers.
The second phase of the campaign, scheduled to begin later in October, will see district-level padyatras of 8-10 km held across the Islands. These will involve school and college students, NGOs, and volunteer groups, who will walk together to spread the message of unity and Sardar Patel’s vision for India.
Officials stressed that these programs are not simply ceremonial but are powerful mediums for spreading the values of unity, integrity, and national pride to every household. According to Chanchal Yadav, “The greatest tribute to Sardar Patel will be when young people embrace his ideals and draw inspiration to follow in his footsteps towards the progress of the nation.”
The Administration has urged widespread participation, particularly among the youth, to make the campaign a landmark event in the Islands. Students, volunteers, and organizations are expected to take the pledge for “One India, Self-Reliant India, United India, Developed India” as part of the closing ceremonies in December.
The campaign’s multi-pronged approach, combining digital engagement with grassroots-level padyatras and cultural initiatives, is seen as a strategic way to ensure broad involvement. By uniting different segments of society, from schools to tribal councils, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands aim to contribute significantly to this national tribute to Sardar Patel’s enduring vision.
