Karimnagar, Nov. 17 -- union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar urged young Indians to step into public life, warning that the rise of hereditary politics would weaken the nation and drift it away from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's vision of a united, progressive India.

Taking part in a massive padayatra from Essarar College in Karimnagar as part of the nationwide 'Sardar@150 Unity March', Sanjay said India cannot afford to fall behind in global competition, and that the active participation of youth in politics is essential for the country's future. Thousands of students and youngsters joined him in the march, organised to mark Patel's 150th birth anniversary.

Addressing the media at the start of the rally, alongside MLCs...