13-year-old Arav Bharadwaj’s 1,250-km Cycle Yatra Reaches Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — A remarkable display of youthful spirit and patriotism unfolded in Ahmedabad on Tuesday as 13-year-old Master Arav Bharadwaj, a recipient of the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar (PMRBP-2025), reached the city on his ongoing “Ekta Ke Shilpi Ko Naman” bicycle yatra. Covering a total distance of 1,250 kilometres from New Delhi to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the journey commemorates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man.

MP from Himmatnagar Shobhanaben Baraiya welcomed Arav and lauded his extraordinary commitment. “It is truly inspiring to see a 13-year-old take up such a meaningful journey for the unity of the country. The future of India is bright with young talents like Arav,” she said, expressing her admiration for his sense of purpose and determination. Baraiya gave a green signal to Arav for his onward journey to Ahmedabad.

Arav, visibly enthusiastic and humble, shared that he began his journey from New Delhi on October 19 and will reach the Statue of Unity on October 30. On October 31, Sardar Patel’s birth anniversary, he will offer a floral tribute to the great leader. “This Yatra is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Ji, the symbol of unity and integrity of India. My aim is to inspire the youth to uphold the spirit of patriotism and national integration,” Arav told reporters.

His arrival in Ahmedabad was met with cheers from school students, local citizens, and social organisations, who gathered along the route to applaud the young cyclist. 

Arav is currently a student of Heritage School, Rohini (Delhi) and hails from Rohtak, Haryana. His achievements extend beyond this journey—he has completed several long-distance rides in the past. In 2024, he cycled 1,251 km from the Kargil War Memorial (Ladakh) to the National War Memorial (New Delhi). Earlier in 2022, he travelled 2,612 km from the INA Memorial in Manipur to New Delhi, honouring India’s freedom fighters.

Arav’s father is a doctor and his grandfather a lawyer, both of whom have supported his patriotic initiatives. On October 29, the young cyclist will continue his expedition towards Vadodara, Nadiad, Karamsad, before finally reaching Ekta Nagar, Narmada, where he will conclude his journey with a heartfelt salute to Sardar Patel’s enduring legacy.