In the year 2013, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat laid the foundation of the Statue of Unity. This statue was dedicated to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, Known as the Iron Man of India.
The Statue of Unity is the world’s tallest statue with a height of 182 meters, pride of India, and one of the major tourist sites in India at present. This monument holds historical and national value.
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel’s role in unifying India is unarguably the most significant event in Indian History. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabh bhai’s devotion and sacrifice to make India what it is today and mark his contribution as an unforgettable persona who shaped India as a nation.
A man, with a strong conviction and a sense of nationalism, who unified India within two years of independence, stands humbly over Narmada River in Gujarat. The statue of unity is a mark of respect to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
Introduction to The Iron Man of India
Manpower without unity is not a strength unless it is harmonized and united properly, then it becomes a spiritual power – Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
“Sardar” is what Mahatma Gandhi called an ambitious hard-working man from Gujarat, who will later go down in history with the title of “Lauh Purush of India” (Iron Man of India).
The ambition of this young man was not about gaining luxury or popularity in life but to witness a free and united India, which he achieved later In life.
Vallabh Bhai Patel, who is also called “Bismarck of India”, hailed from a small village. Born into a lower-middle-class family, he passed his matriculation exam at the age of twenty-two, but the leadership qualities he is famous for were ingrained in him since birth.
Even though there was financial hardship in his family, it never wavered Vallabh Bhai Patel’s passion to pursue law and work as a lawyer. With his extraordinary abilities, he became a famous criminal lawyer in a short period.
Vallabh Bhai Patel always wanted to study law in England but he gave up this opportunity for his elder brother. Later, at the age of 35, he went to study law in England and became one of the top students.
The exemplary journey of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel as a freedom fighter started when Mahatma Gandhi asked him to take command of Kheda Satyagraha in 1918. From this point on, Vallabh Bhai Patel never looked back and fought for a free nation and its rights.
After India gained Independence, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was a strong contender for the role of prime minister but Gandhi Ji wished Jawaharlal Nehru to become the Prime Minister, Patel followed Gandhi Ji’s wishes and became Deputy Prime Minister.
It almost seemed impossible to unite 565 different states and bind them in a nation called India but Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel negotiated with more than 500 states ruled by different monarchs and built a nation within almost two years.
Statue of Unity – Symbolism
The statue of unity symbolizes integrated nationalism, to generate a feeling of oneness, to remember the efforts of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel in building a nation out of fragmented Indian territories. The statue is to commemorate the determination and unwavering conviction of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel to weave India into one nation.
The statue of unity also teaches us to be thankful towards the forgotten Indian freedom fighters who fought hard to free this country. Freedom fighters like Vallabh Bhai Patel show the spirit of the Indian nation.
But we cannot express the significance of the Statue of Unity in a sentence or few words because every Indian holds a different meaning for a statue of unity.
Statue of Unity – Where the Iron Man of India Stands Tall
The Statue of Unity is 600 hundred feet tall (182 meters) that makes it the tallest statue in the world leaving Spring Temple Buddha in China behind. This sculptor is around 2 times taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York. It took almost 4 years to be complete this memorial site. This gigantic monument is a tribute to Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.
The foundation of this monumental site was laid on October 31, 2013, on the birth anniversary. It was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. This marvelous architectural monument is built with the design and guidance provided by Ram V. Sutar, a distinguished sculptor of India, who has designed more than 50 monuments.
In this monument, Sardar Patel is wearing a traditional dhoti and a shawl, a humble but fierce presence. The complete difficult structure of this humongous monument is a noteworthy feat accomplished by over three thousand workers and engineers as it is the tallest statue in the world.
The monument is in the walking position to represent the nation treading forward Minute details are provided by the Ram V. Sutar to make the statue life-like.
The project was completed with the collaboration of Larsen and Toubro and Narmada Nigam Limited, the detailed bronze cladding of the statue is done by Jiangxi Toqine Company, China.
This statue is built with 25000 tonnes of steel, 70,000 tonnes of cement, and bronze panels weighing around 1700 which cover the statue. The budget of this historical monument is around USD 450 million.
Statue of Unity is three-layered. The structure is resistant to natural calamities like earthquakes up to 6.5 magnitudes and wind velocity up to 60 meters /second. The statue of Unity will turn green with time due to the corrosion of bronze.
The significant height of the statue of unity represents the number of assembly constituencies in the state of Gujarat.
The Iron Donation Drive
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was the one of prominent freedom fighters of India, an iron donation drive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2013, to pay a tribute to Vallabh Bhai Patel.
Vallabh Bhai Patel was born in a farmer family and was also known as Iron Man of India so this donation drive held great significance. Almost 100 million farmers across India, donated their used iron tools to honor Vallabh Bhai Patel and the project.
Statue of Unity – A place for explorers
With the title of the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity has become a point of attraction for explorers and tourists, all around the world. Over 5 million tourists were recorded by the government who visited the Statue of Unity in recent years.
You can reach the Statue of Unity by the major airports like Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Surat, railway stations, and bus transport facilities. You can contact Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) in order to find a mode of transportation.
Statue of Unity is around, 25 kilometers from Rajpipla City and around 90 kilometers from Vadodara, 200 Kilometer from Ahmadabad.
This monumental site is located on Sadhu Bet Island, Narmada River, Kevadiya district in Gujarat, where it is built is in harmony with nature, you can find the right balance between natural and artificial structures.
There is a boat ride poof approx 15 kilometers to reach the statue of Unity. A bridge of 300 meters in length connects this monument with the mainland. There are nine piers that are beautifully designed on the bridge, with a width of 26 meters; it has an airport-style moving walkway.
The scenery of Satpura and Vindhya Ranges which surrounds the Statue of Unity will spellbind you. The Narmada River encircling the statue gives you a peaceful and calm frame of mind.
- Observation Deck- After reaching the statue of unity, you can also observe the monument site through an observation deck, this is located at a height of 500 feet. Maximum 200 people can observe the site at a time, you can use elevators to reach the observation deck. The ticket price for the observation deck is INR 350 and INR 200 for adults and children respectively. The entry fee does not apply to the toddlers.
- Museum- Inside the Statue of unity there is a Museum where you can enjoy the laser light show that informs you about the brief history of the unification o India as a nation. it is built at the chest of the statue providing an adventurous thrill to you. It is a major point of attraction,
At the Site, you can find a selfie point, where you can click the beautiful pictures of the surroundings. Inside the Sardar Patel Statue Complex, you will find a research center, three-star hotels, and Shopping centers. - Bharat Van (Valley of Flower)- Bharat Van also called as Valley of flowers is an artificial site that has more than 300 species of flowers, this valley is extended over 24-acre land. This valley resembles an artificial rainbow of flowers.
- Sardar Sarovar Dam- This is the third-highest dam in India with a 163-meter height, this dam is ranked second after Grand Coulee Dam in the USA in terms of volume.
- Nauka Vihar- You can enjoy a boat ride in Panchmuli Lake under Eco-tourism activity. You can ride a boat for 45 minutes and enjoy the aesthetic view of nature.
- Cactus Garden- It is a Botanical Garden that exhibits a large variety of cacti, you will experience the desert ecosystem in this botanical garden.
Dino Trail, jungle safari, children nutrition park provide few other activities that you can enjoy while visiting the statue of unity.
Conclusion – Time to look back
Although there was much criticism over the construction of the Statue of Unity, it has proved the concerning voices wrong. We must realize that our roots are connected to the past and we cannot deny the significance of history that shaped our political, economical, and social values.
The Statue of Unity is not only a monument but is a symbol of Unity for Indians. This monument sends us a message to remember the past and cherish the freedom that we owe to many nameless freedom fighters. This statue represents our National spirit and brotherhood.
Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel was a man who did not aspire much for himself and dedicated his whole self to the nation. He is an inspirational figure who helped us to realize the meaning and importance of Unity.
We live in a beautiful nation where people live in peace and harmony, this versatility is our strength and we should always remember it while adoring the Statue of Unity.
The statue of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel is a symbol of brotherhood, unity, and strength for us. It gives a message to stand tall in the face of adversity.
Statue of Unity – FAQs
Q1. Can we bring outside food inside the Statue of Unity?
Ans. No, you cannot bring outside food inside the Statue of Unity. However, you can buy food inside the Statue of Unity.
Q2. What is the time of the opening of the Statue of Unity?
Ans. The Statue of Unity is open from 8 AM – 6 PM.
Q3. Is the statue of Unity closed on Monday?
Ans. Yes, the Statue of Unity remains closed on Monday, on Sunday statue of Unity is crowded.
Q4. What is the ticket price to enter the Statue of Unity?
Ans. The ticket Price for adults is 350 Indian rupees and for the children, it is 200 Indian rupees.
Q5. How much time did it take to the built statue of Unity?
Ans. It took around 3.5 years to built the statue of Unity.
Q6. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to which Indian freedom fighter?
Ans. The Statue of Unity is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who is also known as the Iron Man of India.
Q7. Where is the Statue of Unity Located?
Ans. It is located in Kevadia Gujarat, India. It is the world’s tallest statue.
