Ahmedabad, 30 October 2013

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi will lay foundation stone of the world’s tallest 182-metre high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel – ‘Statue of Unity’ – on October 31, 2013 near Sadhubet at Kevadia colony close to the main Sardar Sarvoar Project dam. Former Deputy Prime Minister and senior MP L.K Advani will be the chief guest of the function.

Giving details of the programme state government spokespersons Finance Minister Nitinbhai Patel and Energy Minister Saurabhbhai Patel said the Iron Man of India, Sardar Patel is always deeply respected as the creator of united India in the minds of each and every Indian. With his strong willpower and ingenuity he did an incredible job to unite the independent India by merging the princely states. He also provoked the strength of Indian farmers so that they could join in the freedom struggle of India. It is the farmers of the country who lovingly started him calling as ‘Sardar’.

The spokespersons said that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust, headed by the Chief Minister Narendra Modi will undertake this colossal task of erecting the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel so as to acquaint the people with the magnificent personality and to commemorate the ‘Iron Man’.

During this function, Mr. Advani will launch the book, ‘Hind ke Sardar’ and also the ring tone for the same title. In the foundation laying ceremony of ‘Statue of Unity’ by Mr. Narendra Modi, Mr. L.K. Advani, Speaker of Gujarat Assembly Vajubahi Vala and other senior national leaders will be present.

Spokepersons also said that the creation of ‘Statue of Unity’ which is the monument of integrated India, will have immense cooperation from the farmers and general public led by the inspiration of Chief Minister. All the old farming tools of the farmers will be collected from across the whole country to construct the statue.

‘Statue of Unity’ will be the tallest statue of Sardar Patel having the height of 182 meters which will be twice taller than America’s popular ‘Statue of Liberty’ and even taller than China’s Spring Temple which is the tallest statue so far in the world. This monument of integrity will not only add up wonders to the beautiful scenery of Narmada Dam but will also have the spectator gallery at the height of 450 feet accompanied by the presentation about the life of Sardar Patel using advanced technologies. Besides, there will be virtual tour illustrating all the integral aspects of Sardar Sarovar Project and research centre for agricultural development, water management and scheduled tribe upliftment. ‘Statue of Unity’ describing the impressive personality of Sardar Patel is not only the tallest one but will also be a great source of inspiration for us. ‘Statue of Unity’ will become a unique travel destination for the travelers across the globe enlightening them about the hardships and magnificent history the nation. This will in turn, create employment opportunities for the youth residing around nearby villages of Sardar Sarovar Dam.

Spokespersons also said the stone laying of ‘Statue of Unity’ on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel will become historical occasion stating national pride. The stone laying of the statue which aims at actualizing the dream of Sardar Patel i.e ‘ Ek bharat, Shresth Bharat’ has created an atmosphere of unprecedented zeal in the people of this region.