Mani Shankar Aiyar, minister for rural development and sports and youth affairs, will flag off a rally from Meerut's historical Kranti Park where Mangal Pandey and his colleagues revolted against the British for giving them bullets smeared with cow fat, on May 7.

"The rally will cover a distance of 85 km between May 7 and 11. Over 30,000 youths from all parts of country are expected to take part in the show. The ministry intends to showcase the event as a tribute by youth of 21st century to the young heroes of the 1857 uprising.

It is proposed that befitting national celeberations be organised on the evening of May 6, 2007, at Meerut to show the world that India is not only a vibrant nation, but the young generation today has the same zeal and enthusiasm to offer themselves for nation building," Aiyar told rediff.com.

The rally will have night stops at Modinagar, Muradnagar and Ghaziabad before entering the capital. One thousand young students from the north-east and Jammu and Kashmir are also taking part in the rally.

A mobile exhibition depicting themes of 1857 is also developed and to be carried out with the rally from Meerut to Red Fort in Delhi.

"A tableau depicting historical events of 1857 is also being prepared. Twenty bus caravan mounts with banners would also accompany the rally," a press handout issued by the sports ministry said.

Interestingly, no eminent personality has been invited to take part in the celebrations from Bangladesh or Pakistan.