October 31, 2018: Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Statue of Unity, built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Kevadiya in Narmada district of Gujarat today.
Unveiling the 182-metre statue of the Iron Man of India, world’s tallest, on his 143rd birth anniversary, Prime Minister said Sardar Patel’s statue will remind the world about the courage of the man who thwarted attempts to disintegrate India.
He said had Sardar Patel not united the country, we would need the visa to see lions or pay homage at Somnath or view Charminar in Hyderabad. He said Sardar Patel’s statue will remind those who question India’s existence that this nation was, is and will remain eternal.
Mr described the Statue of Unity as a symbol of the country’s engineering and technical capabilities. Gujarat Governor O P Kohli, Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and BJP chief Amit Shah were present at the unveiling of the ‘Statue of Unity’.
The imposing monument is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat’s Narmada district.
A viewing gallery has been created at a height of 135 metres inside the statue to enable tourists to have a view of the dam and nearby mountain ranges.
Near the statue, Mr Modi also unveiled the ‘Wall of Unity’ which has been created with the earth samples collected from various states across the country.
As part of the effort to make the region around the statue a tourist spot, many projects like Valley of Flowers and Tent City have been developed.
The Prime Minister will also unveil a ‘Light and Sound show’ on Sardar Patel in the exhibition hall built at the pedestal of the Statue of Unity. The show will depict the Iron Man of India’s fight against British rule.
Highlighting Centre’s initiatives for the welfare of farmers and women, Mr Modi said, Sardar Patel also believed in the welfare of weaker sections of the country, particularly farmers and women.
Mr Modi said the government has been constantly working to ensure that farmers get remunerative prices for their crops.
The Prime Minister visited the valley of flowers, Museum and Exhibition and Viewers Gallery and performed special prayer at the feet of the Statue of Unity.
A ‘Fly Past’ program was performed by the Indian Air Force on the occasion. (AIR News) Test
