India's Goliath- The Statue of Unity

Who is the man behind United India? It's none other than Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, and it is only fitting for a man of his stature to have the largest statue in the world. But are you aware of the story behind this humongous feat? From the first brick laid to the final figure, this story is worth hearing.

Statue of Unity. Source: Gujarat Tourism

India's independence was a historical moment for the nation, but the journey was not smooth sailing. After the British Empire decided to retreat to England, India was divided into two parts, i.e. India and Pakistan. This was not the end of the struggle, India at the time consisted of over 562 princely states that were each governed by a monarchy. The existence of these states could compromise the strength of the entire nation, so Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel decided to lead an operation to unite these states into the Republic of India. This arduous task required political prowess, effective communication, and if necessary force. This was also the time when riots were taking place all over the nation. Sardar Patel worked tirelessly to control the violence against Muslim communities and set up refugee camps. For his contribution to the nation, in 2013 Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of the tallest statue in the world, i.e. Statue of Unity in the state of Gujarat.

Sardar Valabbhai Patel was India's first deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister from 1947 to 1950.

Located on the edge of the Narmada River in the Kevadiya colony, the statue stands at a height of 182 meters (597 ft). The height of 182 meters is also chosen to equal the number of seats in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. The idea of constructing a statue in honor of Sardar Patel was first proposed in 2010, and the project was initiated in 2013. The statue was built by the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) at a cost of around 2,989 crores (approximately 400 million USD).

The Statue of Unity is constructed using the latest technology and engineering methods. A major advertisement campaign was carried out by the Statue of Unity Movement in 2013 that asked citizens to donate iron needed for the statue, and by 2016, 135 metric tonnes of scrap iron had been collected and about 109 tonnes had been used to build the statue's foundation.

The statue was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, who is renowned for his work in creating several iconic statues and monuments across India. The statue's design is based on Sardar Patel's signature pose, which is known as the "Lion of Sardar."

The statue is not only a tribute to Sardar Patel but also a symbol of unity and diversity in India. The statue's location was carefully selected, as it is situated at the confluence of the Narmada and Kapri rivers, which is considered a sacred site in Hindu mythology. The statue is surrounded by a vast expanse of greenery, and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape from the observation deck located at a height of 153 meters (502 ft) inside the statue.

The statue has become a major tourist attraction in India, with millions of visitors flocking to see it since its inauguration. It is equipped with advanced technology and features several attractions, including a museum that highlights Sardar Patel's life and legacy, laser lights, and sounds that portray Indian history. By November 2022, more than 1 crore (10 million) tourists have visited the site. The total revenue generated from November 2018 to February 2020 is  ₹ 116.31 crore.

The Statue of Unity Museum. Source: EDCCTS

The Statue of Unity is also an engineering marvel, as it is designed to withstand earthquakes and other natural disasters. The statue's foundation is made of reinforced concrete, and the core is made of steel. The statue's outer layer is made of bronze, and the skin is coated with a layer of gold, which gives it a distinctive shine.

The Statue of Unity is a magnificent monument that symbolizes India's rich cultural heritage and its commitment to unity and diversity. The statue is a tribute to Sardar Patel's life and legacy and serves as an inspiration to future generations and has provided a boost to tourism in the area. The Statue of Unity is a testament to India's engineering prowess and its ability to create iconic landmarks that capture the world's imagination.