PM Modi pays tributes to Sardar Patel; unveils ‘Statue of Unity’

ONI Bureau: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the tallest statue in the world, of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the occasion of 143rd Birth Anniversary of ‘Iron Man of India’. The 182m (597 feet) tall statue is called the ‘Statue of Unity’ is located at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat.

“Sardar Patel’s statue will attract millions of tourists from worldwide. It will change the lives of tribals in the region,” said PM Modi.

“If it was not for Sardar Sahab’s resolve, then we Indians would have to take visa to see the Gir lions, pray at Somnath, or to see Hyderabad’s Charminar. I am surprised when some people in our own country dare to see ‘Statue of Unity’ from a political angle and criticise us as if we have committed a big crime. Is honouring Sardar Patel a crime?”, Modi asked.

> The ‘Statue of Unity’ was first announced by then Gujarat CM Narendra Modi in 2010. Foundation stone was laud in 2013.
> Built at a cost of Rs 2,400 crore, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is made of 18,500 tonnes of reinforced steel rods. It’s covered with 2,000 tonnes of bronze sheets.
> Sardar Patel’s statue was completed in record time of 33 months. Over 3,000 labourers were engaged.
> The statue can withstand wind speed up to 180km and earthquake of up to 6.5 on Richter Scale.
> The ‘Statue of Unity’ was designed by Noida-based Ram V. Sutar.
> The statue gives an impression of Sardar Patel walking on water towards the Sardar Sarovar dam.
> The ‘Statue of Unity’ is twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
> The ‘Statue of Unity’ takes the top spot from the 128m tall Buddha Statue built in Spring Temple, China to become the Tallest Statue in the World.