Early Times Report
GORAKHPUR, Nov 10: A sea of tricolors fluttered in countless hands, and chants of "Vande Mataram" and "Bharat Mata ki Jai" echoed through the air as petals rained down, as Gorakhpur witnessed an extraordinary celebration of patriotism and unity on Monday.
This vibrant spectacle unfolded during the Ekta Yatra led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of the Iron Man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Chief Minister flagged off the historic march from his home constituency, Gorakhpur City, with the Yatra proceeding from the Municipal Corporation premises to Vishwambhar Pathak Park near Geeta Vatika, resonating with national pride and the spirit of "Nation First."
Before beginning the march, the Chief Minister paid floral tributes to his revered guru, the late Mahant Avedyanath, at the Municipal Corporation, and garlanded the statue of Rani Lakshmibai, the heroine of the First War of Independence. On reaching the stage, he also offered tributes to Bharat Mata and Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, the creator of "Vande Mataram."
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi recalled inspiring episodes from Sardar Patel's life and the legacy of "Vande Mataram." He then formally inaugurated the Ekta Yatra by garlanding the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Town Hall.
Accompanied by several public representatives, including the Jal Shakti Minister, the Chief Minister walked alongside citizens holding tricolors and chanting patriotic slogans. The entire route glowed in the colors of the national flag, symbolizing unity and collective pride.
People from all walks of life -students, traders, cultural groups, and social organizations - lined the streets from Town Hall to Patel Square, showering flowers and cheering the Chief Minister. In a heartwarming moment, CM Yogi called a young boy holding Sardar Patel's portrait near Gandhi Ashram, accepted the picture, and blessed him.
The route came alive with cultural performances by local artists at Jalkal Bhavan, Gandhi Ashram, Baldev Plaza, and Kali Temple. Upon reaching the Kali Temple, the Chief Minister offered prayers to Goddess Kali and garlanded the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and marked the Yatra's move toward its destination. |
