First-Ever ‘Sardar Rashtra Hit Yatra’ Grandly Launched in Houston: A 11,000 KM Journey to Unite the Indian Diaspora Across North America

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HOUSTON, TEXAS — April 28, 2025 — In a historic and unprecedented initiative to strengthen ties within the Indian diaspora in North America, the “Sardar Rashtra Hit Yatra” was officially launched on April 27, 2025, from Houston, Texas, coinciding with the celebration of Gujarat Day. The extensive road journey will cover more than 11,000 kilometers across the United States and Canada over a period of six weeks, creating a powerful wave of unity and patriotism.

Organized by WorldMiTR under the Sardar@150 project, the yatra will stretch from Houston to Toronto and back, symbolizing the vision and ideals of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Central to the yatra is the “Sardar Ekta Rath” (Sardar Unity Chariot), a specially crafted vehicle adorned with the Indian national flag and images representing the diverse people of India. The Rath serves not only as a traveling monument to Patel’s legacy but also as a platform for community members to share their aspirations and patriotic sentiments.

The primary objectives of the journey include actively engaging the Indian diaspora, fostering a spirit of national unity (Rashtra Hit), celebrating the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel in October 2025, and inspiring contributions toward the dream of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). Building upon the success of over 52 previous community events since October 2024, the organizers aim to amplify the community’s enthusiasm and sense of belonging through this grand expedition.

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Throughout the journey, a variety of activities will be organized for all age groups. Children will participate in programs like “Vacation for Sardar,” while families will engage in “Sardar Gharsabha” (Sardar Home Gatherings). Larger public events, including roadshows, selfie points with the Rath, quote-sharing sessions, and signature campaigns, will take place in every major city along the route. The initiative will also focus on capturing the voices and stories of the diaspora through video recordings and community interactions.

The flag-off ceremony on April 27 was held at the Gujarati Samaj Cultural Center (GSH) in Houston, where over 400 members of the Gujarati community gathered in a vibrant celebration. The Consul General of India in Houston, Shri D.C. Manjunath, delivered an inspiring address highlighting the significance of Gujarat Day and the yatra, before officially inaugurating the journey. Several prominent community leaders attended the event, including Shri Sureshbhai Patel (Trustee, Darbar), Shri Girish Naik (Chairman, GSH), volunteers from BAPS and Vadtal Temples, Shri Rameshbhai Modi of the Indian American Senior Citizens Association, and other social leaders from across the United States and Canada.

During the ceremony, Project Director Shri Darshan Patel articulated the mission behind the yatra, stating, “This Sardar Rashtra Hit Yatra is a living journey of unity, designed to carry forward Sardar Patel’s vision and ignite the spirit of national service across the North American Indian community. The overwhelming enthusiasm we witnessed in our earlier programs encouraged us to undertake this grand yatra.”

The yatra will traverse various states and cities, building bridges between communities through initiatives like “Vacation for Sardar,” “Seniors for Sardar,” “Sardar Gharsabha,” and more. The “Sardar Ekta Rath” is expected to draw significant attention along the way, serving as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Sardar Patel.

WorldMiTR’s Sardar@150 project is a U.S.-based initiative committed to celebrating India’s heritage and inspiring future generations. The project aims to strengthen the global Indian community’s bond with India’s values through a variety of engagement programs leading up to Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary.

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