On November 25, 2024, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya spearheaded the ‘Humara Samvidhan Humara Swabhiman’ padyatra to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Indian Constitution. This vibrant foot march kicked off from Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium and wound its way through iconic landmarks like Kartavya Path and India Gate. The event amassed participation from over 10,000 youth volunteers from the MY Bharat initiative, alongside distinguished personalities, Union Ministers, and Members of Parliament who joined the noble cause.
This ambitious padyatra aims to instill constitutional values among the youth of India, reflecting the theme for this year’s Constitution Day celebrations. Speaking to the media, Minister Mandaviya expressed satisfaction over the incredible turnout, emphasizing the commitment of the youth to uphold the Preamble of the Constitution—a document integral to India's democratic fabric.
The march commenced at 8 AM and concluded at around 9:30 AM. Notable figures including Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Olympic champions such as Yogeshwar Dutt and Mirabai Chanu contributed to the event's massive appeal. Their participation underscored the focus on youth engagement, celebrating the diversity and energetic spirit of India's younger generations.
During the initial ceremony, the padyatra was launched with the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. Here, Dr. Mandaviya, accompanied by his parliamentary allies, planted trees at the stadium, fostering environmental awareness alongside the celebrations. The significance of this tree-planting activity aligned seamlessly with broader initiatives promoting sustainability and civic responsibility.
Among the vibrant cultural displays, participants donned period costumes, portraying leaders like Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, creating a live spectacle of India’s revolutionary past. Along the way, cultural performances including dynamic Gujarati dances and spirited Punjabi Bhangra enchanted participants, making the celebration both entertaining and educational.
The focal point of the padyatra was at India Gate, where participants collectively recited the Preamble of the Constitution. This ceremony highlighted the values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity, which form the core tenets of Indian democracy. Union Ministers and MPs’ presence during this partnership reflected the indispensable role these values play not only within constitutional frameworks but also as guiding principles for society.
Dr. Mandaviya paid tribute to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate, reinforcing the event's theme of remembrance and respect for the nation's founding figures. Youth registration drives for MY Bharat were conducted throughout the day, underscoring the push for youth involvement in national development initiatives.
Participants attended Preamble-themed selfie points set up along the route, cleverly merging fun with awareness. Volunteers from MY Bharat ensured the cleanliness of the route, abiding by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat (Clean India) mission, reinforcing the importance of hygiene and cleanliness within community events.
The padyatra served as a pivotal moment, engaging youths from over 125 colleges across the National Capital Region and various organizations, including NYKS, NSS, NCC, and Bharat Scouts & Guides. This deep and diverse participation highlights the collective effort to promote constitutional values and aims to cultivate future leaders committed to India’s democratic ethos.
The event marked not only the celebration of the Constitution’s enduring legacy but also the youth’s integral role as guardians of this legacy. By joining the padyatra, participants were reminded of their responsibilities as citizens, tasked with upholding and advancing the principles of justice and equality encapsulated within the Constitution.
Given the scale and energy of this initiative, the 'Humara Samvidhan Humara Swabhiman' padyatra successfully initiated conversations around constitutional awareness, responsibility, and the power of youth engagement. This significant event laid the groundwork for future endeavors aimed at ensuring the ideals of the Constitution remain vibrant and relevant among the nation’s youngest citizens.
Overall, the padyatra not only commemorated the forthcoming Constitution Day but also inspired hope and enthusiasm for the future of India's democracy, encapsulating the spirit of unity and communal respect.
