The Statue of Unity is a colossal statue of India’s first Deputy Prime Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. It is located on the banks of the Narmada River in the Indian state of Gujarat. The statue stands at a height of 182 meters (597 ft) and is the tallest statue in the world. It was inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, on October 31, 2018, on the occasion of Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary.
The Statue of Unity project was initiated by the Gujarat government in 2010, with the aim of honoring Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s independence movement and his role in uniting the country after the partition. The project was estimated to cost approximately USD 403 million and was executed by the Larsen & Toubro construction company.
The statue is made of bronze and has an iron framework, with a total weight of 70,000 metric tons. It was designed by the Indian sculptor, Ram V. Sutar, who has also designed several other prominent statues in India, including the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, London.
The statue stands on a base of 58 meters (190 ft) and has a viewing gallery at a height of 153 meters (502 ft), which can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. The viewing gallery provides a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, including the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River.
Apart from the statue itself, the Statue of Unity complex also includes a museum, a research center, a memorial garden, and a hotel for visitors. The museum provides information about Sardar Patel’s life and his contribution to India’s independence movement, as well as the making of the statue. The research center is dedicated to promoting research on agriculture, water management, and tribal development, among other topics. The memorial garden has several plants and trees, including some rare species, and the hotel provides accommodation for visitors who want to stay overnight.
The Statue of Unity has attracted a large number of visitors from India and around the world since its inauguration. The Gujarat government expects the statue to become a major tourist attraction and a source of income for the state. In addition, the statue is also expected to promote national unity and patriotism among Indians, as it honors a leader who played a significant role in the country’s unity and integrity.
However, the Statue of Unity has also been the subject of criticism from some quarters. Some critics have argued that the project was a waste of public money and that the funds could have been better used for development projects in the state. Others have criticized the project for its impact on the environment, particularly the displacement of tribals and the destruction of natural habitats.
The Statue of Unity is a monumental project that honors Sardar Patel’s contribution to India’s independence movement and his role in uniting the country after the partition. While it has attracted a large number of visitors and is expected to promote national unity and patriotism, it has also been the subject of criticism from some quarters. As with any major development project, it is important to assess the costs and benefits and ensure that the project is executed in a manner that minimizes its impact on the environment and respects the rights of all stakeholders.
