Tribute to the Iron Man
Delivering the keynote at the culmination event, the Vice-President said India will “always remain indebted to the Iron Man of India” for integrating more than 560 princely states and laying the foundation of what he called a vision of Akhand Bharat. He described Sardar Patel’s legacy as the guiding force for India’s present and future.
Shri Radhakrishnan underlined that Sardar Patel’s aspiration of a strong, self-reliant India is being realised under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s leadership, and praised the padyatra for rekindling the values of unity and national purpose. The Vice-President noted the padyatra began on 26 November Constitution Day and attracted participation from over 14 lakh youth across more than 1,300 padyatras nationwide, reflecting widespread public engagement.
Addressing the young participants, the Vice-President called India’s youth “a powerhouse of talent” and urged them to embrace unity, discipline and purposeful action to transform India into a global hub of innovation and development. He also appealed to youngsters to say “No to Drugs” and to use social media responsibly to promote digital literacy and cyber safety.
Shri Radhakrishnan acknowledged the strong participation of women in the padyatra and highlighted the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam as a landmark that has shifted the national focus from mere empowerment to women-led development.
Defence, Labour Reforms and National Progress
On national security, the Vice-President said India’s defence capabilities have strengthened “manifold,” citing Operation Sindoor as a defining moment that underscored the nation’s resolve to protect its sovereignty and effectively combat cross-border terrorism.
Shri Radhakrishnan also welcomed the four new Labour Codes, calling them a major reform that aligns with the governance mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, and said the codes will help build a transparent, fair and worker-centric labour framework for a modernising economy.
The Vice-President observed that India has recorded rapid economic, social, military and strategic progress over the past decade and is steadily moving towards its ambition of becoming a developed nation by 2047.
Event Snapshot
The 10-day national padyatra from Karamsad to the Statue of Unity covered roughly 180 kilometres and emphasised self-reliance and environmental consciousness. The event drew central and state leaders, including Gujarat Governor Shri Acharya Devvrat, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Union Ministers and other dignitaries.
Sources & Further Reading
This report draws on the official press release by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) for factual accuracy and event details. For official updates see the PIB release. Additional background on the national padyatra and launch details are available at the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports portal.