Statue of Unity Inauguration HIGHLIGHTS: At 182 meters, Statue of Unity is said to be the world’s tallest statue. (Express Photo By Bhupendra Rana)
Statue of Unity Inauguration HIGHLIGHTS: Eight years after proposing the ambitious project, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Wednesday unveiled the Statue of Unity – the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres -built in honour of freedom fighter and India’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The statue stands on Sadhu island on the Narmada in Gujarat and is twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the US.
Dedicating the statue to the nation, PM Modi said, “Statue of Unity is an answer to all those who question the existence of India. The height of the statue is to remind the youth that the future of the country will be as huge as this. It is also symbolic of our engineering and technology affordability.”
Crediting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel for “uniting India,” PM Modi said, “Had Sardar Patel not united the country, we would need visas to see lions or pay homage at Somnath or view the Charminar in Hyderabad. Patel converted India’s diversity into its biggest strength. The country is today following the path shown by Patel and is moving towards becoming the world’s greatest economic and strategic power.” Also present at the venue were BJP chief Amit Shah, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, Deputy CM Nitinbhai Patel.
Built at a cost of Rs 2,989 crores, the project took 42 months to complete. Apart from the statue itself, there are five other related sites that are constructed along with the world’s tallest statue. These include the walkway, the ticket counter, the food court, the four-lane approach highway, and the ‘Shrestha Bharat Bhavan’- a 52-room three-star lodging facility for the visitors coming to see the monument.
During his address, Prime Minister Modi also remembered the efforts of tribals, farmers and locals in the area. "The contribution of the tribals, farmers and villagers, who helped make the Statue of Unity cannot be ignored. By lending your efforts in building this, you have also scripted your names in the history. The state will bring prosperity to the tribals, farmers and villagers in this region. It will lead to job creation, better the livelihoods and promote tourism in the area," PM Modi said.
Launching an attack on those opposing the Statue of Unity, PM Modi says he is "amazed" that protesters are giving it a "political colour." "The statue is a symbol of country's respect to this great man. Praising great icons like Patel has also brought us criticism. It seems like we have committed a big crime."
"Statue of Unity is a symbol of India's integrity, India's resolve, India's determination and India's unity... It shows that India was, is and always will be eternal. It is a symbol that 'Ek Bharat is Shreshth Bharat'," PM Modi said, asking the crowd to repeat the chant
"The statue is an answer to all those who question the existence and integrity of India. The height of the statue is to remind the youth that the future of the country will be as huge as this. It is also symbolic of our engineering and technology affordability. Every day, the artisans have worked on the project round-the-clock. Just like the millions of others, even I aspired that the man who did so much for India should get the respect that he deserves"
Crediting Sardar Patel for keeping the country united, PM Modi said, "It is because of him that we are able to go from Kutch to Kohima, from Kargil to Kanyakumari easily. Without his efforts, we would have to take visa to go to Gir forests, Somnath Temple and to see Charminar in Hyderabad. If the Sardar had no resolution, a direct train from Kashmir to Kanyakumari could not be envisaged. Without Patel, it would have been difficult for us to build the administrative framework like the Civil service. He is also responsible for bringing women in politics."
"There were many who thought that a diverse country like India can never remain united. They considered our diversity our biggest weakness. But Sardar Patel converted this into our biggest strength. India is following the path shown by Patel and is moving towards becoming the world's greatest economic and strategic power," PM Modi said.
Recounting Patel's address, PM Modi said, "Sardar Patel in his speech on July 5, 1947, said - 'Our mutual quarrels, mutual animosity in front of our enemies is the big reason behind our defeat.' Now we don't have to repeat this mistake and neither have to be a slave to anyone again. We should never forget his sacrifices. This is the tallest statue in the world. People across the world will visit this site and remember it. They will also remember the great people of India."
"Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was responsible for us living in a united India today. Due to his efforts after Independence, India is what it is today. It is this feeling of being united, of togetherness, that has kept India going for thousands of years. We celebrate him and his tremendous contribution for the country. I was given the first piece of iron that was contributed for this marvel. I am giving it for you all to see at the museum here at the Statue of Unity," says PM Modi
In order to build the Statue of Unity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of the soil and thus, a mass movement developed. Today's event is an inspiration to the future citizens of the country.
'Today is a day that will be remembered in the history of India. No Indian will ever forget this day. Events like today are very very important in a country's history and such events are difficult to erase. It is a historic and inspiring occasion for all Indians. It is Patel's efforts that have led our country to what it is today. It is my honour that I got a chance to pay the tribute to the great man. When I visualised the project, I had never thought that I would unveil it as the prime minister of the country. The event portrays the face of united India. I also thank the people of Gujarat for welcoming him,' PM Modi said,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing the gathering. Paying a tribute to the Iron man of India, Modi remembered Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary. "Today the entire country is celebrating Rashtriya Ekta Divas to mark the birth anniversary of Patel. The youth is participating in the Run for Unity. I would like to congratulate them all. The patriotism is the foundation on which our culture is built," he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the world's largest statue - Statue of Unity. He poured soil and Narmada water into a ‘kalash’ to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. He also did a virtual “abhishek” of the statue with the help of a lever.