5 years of The Statue of Unity: A Symbol of India’s Pride and Unity

Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power.

India is a country of diversity, where people of different religions, languages, cultures, and regions coexist in harmony. India is also a country of unity, where people have fought together for freedom, justice, and democracy. One of the leaders who played a vital role in shaping India’s unity and identity was Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, also known as the Iron Man of India.

    Sardar Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Gujarat. He was a lawyer, a freedom fighter, and a statesman. He was one of Mahatma Gandhi's closest associates and a staunch supporter of his nonviolent movement against British colonialism He was also the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India. He is widely regarded as the chief architect of India’s integration, as he successfully united 562 princely states into the Indian Union after independence.

    The Gujarat government built a colossal statue of Sardar Patel in his honor in order to honor his contributions to the nation. The statue is called the Statue of Unity, and it is the world’s tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres (597 feet). It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on October 31, 2018, the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

    The Statue of Unity is not just a monument, but a symbol of India’s pride and unity. It represents the vision and values of Sardar Patel, who believed in the strength and potential of a united India. It also showcases the rich and diverse culture and heritage of India, as it is surrounded by various attractions and facilities that reflect the country’s beauty and diversity.

Here are some facts and important information about the Statue of Unity that you should know:

• The statue is located on a river island called Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. Thousands of people are served by the dam, which is one of the largest irrigation projects in India.

• The statue was designed by renowned Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, who has created more than 200 sculptures of national and international figures. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honor, in 2016.

• The statue was built by Larsen & Toubro, one of India’s leading engineering and construction companies. The total cost of the project was ₹27 billion (US$422 million). The project employed over 3,000 workers and 250 engineers.

• The statue is made of steel framing, reinforced by concrete and brass coating, with bronze cladding on the exterior. Since there aren't any foundries in India that can handle such big panels, Jiangxi Toqine Company (JTQ) cast them in China.

• The statue has a unique structural design that can withstand wind speeds up to 180 km/h (110 mph) and earthquakes up to 6.5 on the Richter scale. It also has two high-speed elevators that can take visitors to a viewing gallery at a height of 153 meters (502 feet), which can accommodate up to 200 people at a time.

• The statue has a museum and an exhibition hall at its base that showcases the life and achievements of Sardar Patel. It also has an audio-visual gallery that depicts his role in India’s freedom struggle and unification. A museum in Ahmedabad has approximately 40,000 documents, 2,000 photographs, and 1,500 artifacts associated with Sardar Patel.

• The statue is part of a larger complex that includes various tourist attractions and facilities such as a memorial garden, a visitor Centre, a hotel, a convention Centre, a children’s nutrition park, a butterfly garden, an eco-friendly forest, a cactus garden, a river rafting facility, a boating facility, a jungle safari park, and more.

• The statue attracts millions of visitors every year from across India and abroad. It has generated employment opportunities for local people and boosted the economy of the region. It has also raised awareness about Sardar Patel’s legacy and inspired people to follow his ideals.

• The statue is illuminated by LED lights at night that create a spectacular sight. A variety of cultural events and programs are also held at the center throughout the year to commemorate national holidays and occasions, such as Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and Patel Jayanti.

• The statue is open to visitors from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 6 pm. The entry fee for adults is ₹120 (US$1.6) and for children below 15 years is ₹60 (US$0.8). There are also other packages available that include access to other attractions in the complex. The tickets can be booked online or at the site.

The Statue of Unity is a remarkable feat of engineering and art that pays tribute to one of India’s greatest leaders and heroes. It is a source of pride and inspiration for all Indians and a symbol of India’s unity and diversity. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to witness the glory and greatness of India.