Among others, students are participating in a unity march in Ballari on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The Ekta Nadige (Unity March) organized in Ballari on Wednesday as part of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel attracted wide public attention and hundreds of students, volunteers and citizens joined the march to promote national unity and harmony.
At the start of the stage program in Dr. Speaking after the march, MLC YM Satish, Joladarashi Doddanagouda Rangamandira said that every citizen must rise above caste, religious and sectarian differences and promote a sense of patriotism rooted in the unity of India.
“We are Indians first and foremost. We have to work towards strengthening the unity of the nation,” he said.
Recalling Sardar Patel’s historic contribution to the integration of over 550 princely states after independence, Mr. Satish said the country’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister was rightly hailed as the Iron Man of India.
He noted that Patel’s role in building a united nation and establishing an all-India civil service remains elusive. “The youth must imbibe patriotism and work for the unity and progress of the nation,” he added.
Former MLA G. Somashekar Reddy said the freedom achieved at immense sacrifices must be preserved and strengthened. He urged the students to aspire for high positions and contribute to India’s economic growth rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Unity March State Coordinator Manjunath Balekai said India is one of the strongest nations in the world because of the sacrifice of its soldiers.
“The tricolor flies high because of their sacrifices. After our achievements on the moon, one day the national flag will fly on Mars too,” he said, highlighting Sardar Patel’s role in establishing democratic governance, a national security framework and a united India.
As part of the programme, the participants took the Atmanirbhar Bharat pledge. A cultural performance followed.
Before the stage programme, the Unity March was flagged off by Mr. Satish and Mayor Ballari P. Gadeppa at Government PU College Ground on Dr. Rajkumar Road.
The march then passed through Gadigi Channappa Circle, Bengaluru Road, Brucepet JHunction Old Police Station and HR Gaviappa Circle and culminated at Rangamandira.
Hundreds of students from various pre-university colleges, volunteers from various organizations and representatives of the public participated.
Published – 20 Nov 2025 19:19 IST
