Message of Nation-Building Through Heritage and Heroes — Dr. Mannalal Rawat

Udaipur: Addressing the media, Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat recalled the great contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and emphasized that the “Unity March” is an initiative aimed at strengthening the spirit of unity and responsibility among India’s youth. Dr. Rawat also shared details of the upcoming celebrations marking the 150th birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda, a legendary tribal leader and freedom fighter.

He said that the BJP and NDA have always believed in combining heritage with development while drawing inspiration from the nation’s heroes. “India has two great icons — Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, whose birth anniversary is on October 31, and Bhagwan Birsa Munda, whose 150th birth anniversary will be celebrated on November 15,” he noted.

Speaking about Birsa Munda, Dr. Rawat described him as a revolutionary tribal leader who stood against colonial oppression and missionary influence. “He raised his voice against the joint exploitation by the British and missionaries, stating ‘Topi Topi Ek Saheb,’ meaning both were harming the country,” he said. Birsa Munda led a massive movement to protect indigenous culture and faith but was tragically poisoned to death by the British in 1900 while in prison.

Dr. Rawat added that large-scale programs will be organized in tribal regions to spread Birsa Munda’s teachings and ideology. These events will be conducted under the directions of the Prime Minister, National President, State President, and Chief Minister. He also highlighted that Sardar Patel’s contribution to national unity and strength would remain a guiding force for future generations, and several programs focusing on nationalism and youth awareness against drug abuse will be organized.

Later, BJP City President Gajpal Singh Rathore presented details of the Sardar@150 Unity March and its pre-event activities. He announced that the march would take place across various districts from October 31 to November 25, involving youth, students, and social organizations. A grand Unity March will begin from Town Hall Shaheed Smarak and pass through Bapu Bazaar, Surajpole, Jhiniret Chowk, Marshal Chauraha, Dhanmandi, Teej Ka Chowk, Delhi Gate, and back to Town Hall.

He further informed that a series of events — including essay competitions, national reel contests, online quizzes, and a podcast series titled “Ek Tha Sardar” — would be organized as per party directives.

BJYM District President Lalit Singh Sisodiya shared the schedule and route plan for the Unity March in Udaipur Rural (Salumber) region. The press meet began with a welcome note and program overview by Shubham Purbia, District Youth Officer, Mera Yuva Bharat (My Bharat), who explained that the Sardar@150 Unity March is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, and My Bharat, aimed at promoting national unity, service, leadership, and self-reliance among youth.

A poster for the 150th birth anniversary celebration of Sardar Patel was also unveiled during the event. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by BJP Media Incharge Chanchal Agrawal, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, media representatives, and attendees.

Prominent attendees included Dr. Mannalal Rawat (MP, Udaipur), Gajpal Singh Rathore (BJP City President), Lalit Singh Sisodiya (BJYM Rural Coordinator), Jitendra Singh Shaktawat (Co-Coordinator), Paras Singhvi, Devilal Salvi, Ashok Nagda, Ghanshyam Menaria, and Dr. Om Pareek.