Ahmadabad: On the birth anniversary of India's first Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, celebrated as National Unity Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid his respects by offering floral tributes at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat's Narmada. This iconic statue, dedicated to Sardar Patel, was inaugurated by PM Modi on October 31, 2018. During the ceremony in Ekta Nagar, formerly known as Kevadia in Narmada district, the Prime Minister administered the oath of unity to the assembled crowd.
Here are some fascinating details about the Statue of Unity:
Costing a staggering ₹2,989 crore, the statue depicts Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India's first Home Minister, clad in traditional attire of a dhoti and shawl, standing tall beside the Narmada River. Iron from all corners of the country was gathered to craft this monument, dedicated to Sardar Patel, who is affectionately known as the Iron Man of India. This awe-inspiring statue stands at a height of 182 meters, earning it the distinction of being the world's tallest statue. It surpasses China's Spring Temple Buddha by a significant 177 feet.
The statue's design is credited to the renowned sculptor and Padma Bhushan awardee, Ram V Sutar. It was constructed through the collaborative efforts of Larsen and Toubro and the state-run Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd. The construction of this monumental statue involved approximately 250 engineers and a workforce of 3,400 laborers and was completed within a span of 33 months.
The statue features a viewing gallery situated at a height of 193 meters above sea level, capable of accommodating up to 200 visitors simultaneously. This gallery, positioned at 153 meters, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, its reservoir, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges.
At the base of the statue, there is a museum and an exhibition hall dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into his pivotal role in India's struggle for independence and his significant contributions to the unification of the country.
This magnificent statue, the Statue of Unity, stands not only as a symbol of Sardar Patel's legacy but also as a testament to the unity and diversity of India. It has become a significant landmark and a place of pride for the nation, attracting visitors from all corners of the world.
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