Published on Mar 04, 2023
The Statue of Unity is a statue of Indian statesman and founding father Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel (1875–1950) in the Narmada district of Gujarat, India. It is the world's tallest statue, with a height of 182 metres (597 ft) or about two times as tall as the Statue of Liberty (including the pedestal). The statue is on a river island facing the Narmada Dam (also called the Sardar Sarovar dam) near Rajpipla, 100 kilometres (62 mi) southeast of the city of Vadodara.
As a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue will not only remind every individual of our great nation's freedom struggle but will also inspire the people of our country to inculcate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's visionary ideologies of unity, patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance. This monument will not just be a mute memorial like the rest, but a fully functional, purpose-serving tribute that will spur all round socio-economic development, in the form of better connectivity, healthcare & education infrastructure, research centre for agriculture development and various tribal development initiatives.
The monument and its surroundings occupy more than 2 hectares (4.9 acres), and are surrounded by a 12 km2 (4.6 sq mi; 3,000 acres) artificial lake. It was built by Larsen & Toubro, who received the contract for Rs.2,989 crore (US$420 million) for the design, construction and maintenance in October 2014. The construction was started on 31 October 2014 and completed in mid-October 2018. It was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar, and was dedicated by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 31 October 2018, the 143rd anniversary of Patel's birth.
The project was first announced on 7 October 2010. The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) was established by the Gujarat government for construction of the statue. A drive named the Statue of Unity Movement was started to support the construction of the statue. It helped collect the iron needed for the statue by asking Indian farmers to donate their used farming instruments.unreliable source? Ultimately 5,000 tonnes (4,900 long tons; 5,500 short tons) of iron were collected. Although it was initially intended for the statue, it was later decided that the collected iron would instead be used for other parts of the project
A consortium comprising Turner Construction (project manager of Burj Khalifa), Michael Graves and Associates and the Meinhardt Group supervised the project. It took 56 months to complete – 15 months for planning, 40 months for construction and two months for handing over by the consortium. The total cost of the project was estimated to be about Rs. 20.63 billion (US$290 million) by the government. The tender bids for the first phase were invited in October 2013 and were closed in November 2013.
Narendra Modi, then serving as Chief Minister of Gujarat, laid the statue's foundation stone on 31 October 2013, the 138th anniversary Patel's birth.
Indian infrastructure company Larsen & Toubro won the contract on 27 October 2014 for its lowest bid of Rs. 29.89 billion (US$420 million) for the design, construction and maintenance. They commenced the construction on 31 October 2014. In the first phase of the project, Rs. 13.47 billion were for the main statue, ₹2.35 billion for the exhibition hall and convention centre, Rs. 830 million for the bridge connecting the memorial to the mainland and Rs. 6.57 billion for the maintenance of the structure for 15 years after its completion.
The statue's construction took 75,000 cubic metres (2,600,000 cu ft) of concrete, 5,700 tonnes (5,600 long tons; 6,300 short tons) of steel structure, 18,500 tonnes (18,200 long tons; 20,400 short tons) of reinforced steel rods, and 22,500 tonnes (22,100 long tons; 24,800 short tons) of bronze sheets.
Construction of the monument was completed in mid-October 2018; and the inaugural ceremony was held on 31 October 2018, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The statue has been described as a tribute to Indian engineering skills.
Local tribals belonging to the Tadvi tribe opposed land acquisition for the development of tourism infrastructure around the statue. They have been offered cash and land compensation, and have been provided jobs. Activists like Medha Patkar and Gladson Dungdung have also opposed the project. They also claimed that Sadhu Bet was originally called Varata Bawa Tekri, named after a local deity, and so it was a site of religious importance.
Environmental activists wrote a letter to the central government contending that project implementation started without clearance from the Environment Ministry. People of Kevadia, Kothi, Waghodia, Limbdi, Navagam, and Gora villages opposed the construction of the statue and demanded the restitution of the land rights over 375 hectares (927 acres) of land acquired earlier for the dam as well as the formation of new Garudeshwar subdistrict. They also opposed the formation of Kevadia Area Development Authority (KADA) and the construction of Garudeshwar weir-cum-causeway project. The government of Gujarat accepted their demands.
When Rs.200 crore (US$28 million) was allocated for the statue in the 2014–15 Union budget, several people and political parties criticised the expenditure on the statue over other priorities, such as women's safety, education and agricultural schemes. L&T contracted with TQ Art Foundry – a subsidiary of the Jiangxi Toqine Company based in Nanchang, China – for the bronze cladding of the statue, which was criticised by the Indian National Congress, the opposition party in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly. L&T later clarified that 9% of the total value of the project was sourced from China
There could not be a more grand or apt location for the Statue of Unity than the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada River. The monument will stand near the Narmada Dam, which has also been named after the Iron Man of India, at a distance of 3.2km at the Sadhu Bet.
The dam itself is considered to be one of the largest structures standing at a height of 138feet. Rising from amid one of the most revered rivers of India, nestled in the foothills of mountainous terrain and surrounded by bountiful natural beauty, Sadhu Bet is an idyllic location for the proposed statue.
Located in what is already a favoured tourist spot, especially in the monsoons when the Sardar Sarovar Dam overflows in all its magnanimity, the Statue of Unity promises to be one of the most visited tourist spots not only of the nation but also the world
Birth : October 31, 1875
Birth Place : Nadiad town, Gujarat
Early Life spent in : Karamsad, Petlad and Nadiad.
Parents : Father Jhaverbhai, a farmer, and mother Laad Bai, a simple lady
Wife : Jhaverba, who passed away at a very early age
Children : Daughter Maniben (Born in 1903); Son Dahyabhai (Born in 1905)
Death : December 15, 1950
Vallabhbhai Patel (October 31, 1875 – December 15, 1950) was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence and subsequently guided its integration into a united, independent nation. He was called the "Iron Man of India", and was often addressed as "Sardar" which means "Chief" or "Leader" in many languages of India.
Vallabhbhai Patel already had a successful practice as a lawyer when he was first inspired by the work and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi. Patel subsequently organised the peasants of Kheda, Borsad, and Bardoli in Gujarat in a non-violent civil disobedience movement against oppressive policies imposed by the British Raj; in this role, he became one of the most influential leaders in Gujarat. He rose to the leadership of the Indian National Congress and was at the forefront of rebellions and political events, organising the party for elections in 1934 and 1937, and promoting the Quit India movement.
As the first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister of India, Patel organised relief for refugees in Punjab and Delhi, and led efforts to restore peace across the nation. Patel took charge of the task to forge a united India from the 565 semi-autonomous princely states and British-era colonial provinces. Using frank diplomacy backed with the option (and the use) of military action, Patel's leadership enabled the accession of almost every princely state. Hailed as the Iron Man of India, he is also remembered as the "Patron Saint" of India's civil servants for establishing modern all-India services. Patel was also one of the earliest proponents of property rights and free enterprise in India.
Much before his foray into the freedom struggle one can see the force of his iron will power in his passionate pursuit of law as a career. Gifted with an ingenious mind, Sardar always wanted to become a barrister. However, in those days, to realize this dream, one had to go to England. Having been born to a common farmer's family, he had no financial means to join a college even in India, let alone travel to England.
However, such hindrances were never a deterrent for the young man of steel determination for he found a way to achieve his dreams. He taught himself. His first step was to borrow books from a lawyer friend and study from home, and for practical training he started attending court sessions to closely observe every argument being made. Needless to say, the young man passed with flying colours and started his practice in Godhra.
Another facet of his character and compassion is seen when later on he had the capacity to travel abroad, but allowed his elder brother Vitthalbhai, who too was a lawyer, to go to England for higher studies in Law first. Only after his brother's return did he himself leave for England, where he stood first in the Barrister-at-Law examination.
Sardar Patel's foray into the freedom struggle was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, who he met during a meeting in Godhra. From then on they became friends and Patel started following Gandhiji's activities, especially his success in the Champaran Satyagraha.
The defining moment for the Sardar came when in 1918; Kheda was inundated and devastated by floods. With their crops damaged, farmers asked for relief from the heavy taxes the British government had ensued but to no avail. Gandhiji joined in the fight but could devote his entire attention to Kheda's struggle.
As he was looking for a person to take up the cause of the farmers in his absence, Sardar volunteered. As always he never did anything half-hearted, and his first step was giving up his well-paying legal practice and joining the non-cooperation movement by switching over to Khadi clothes. The struggle was a resounding success with the British government agreeing to hold talks with Sardar, and later on agreeing to his terms of rolling back the tax rates. From then on, there was no looking back for this Son of the Soil.
Paving the way for a clean and planned administration for Ahmedabad, Sardar played a more administrative role in the city. Prior to joining the Freedom movement, he was elected the sanitation commissioner of Ahmedabad in 1917, while he was still had his legal practice. In the later years, he was elected Ahmedabad's Municipal President in 1922, 1924 and 1927, during which Ahmedabad saw the extension of electricity supply and some major educational reforms.
After the successful Kheda Satyagrah, in 1928, when Bardoli Taluka in Gujarat suffered from major natural calamities, Sardar Patel took up cudgels on behalf of the farmers once again. In another resounding victory over the draconian British taxation rules, Sardar organized the farmers, told them not to pay a single paisa of tax, and fought the oppression till the British government bowed down. Another definite struggle was the Disobedience Movement in 1930, following which he was arrested. Later, he was released and was elected Congress president in the 1931 session in Karachi. In August 1942, the Indian National Congress launched the Quit India Movement, following which Sardar Patel along with many other freedom leaders was jailed for three years.
Soon after the Indian Independence, 565 princely states, some of which were ruled by Maharajas and others by Nawabs, started believing they would become independent rulers of their kingdoms as in the pre-British era. They argued that the government of free India should treat them as equals. It was Sardar Patel's insight, wisdom and diplomacy that drove sense into the minds of the monarchs who agreed accession to the Indian Republic.
An iconic 182 meter tall statue, a tribute to the Iron Man of India, is being built at the Sadhu-Bet Island, approximately 3.5kms south of Sardar Sarovar Dam at Kevadia in the Narmada district of Gujarat This inspiring memorial site, with a number of edu-tainment components, is located between the Vindhyachal and Satpuda Ranges rising weir Narmada River, impounded by Garudeshwar, the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the town of Kevadia. The majesty of this grand monument will be enhanced by a picturesque backdrop. Its unique location will prove to be beneficial for eco-tourism and regional development.
The total project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2989 crore, and will be completed in four years.
Sophisticated state of art technologies like Light Detection and Ranging Technology and Telescopic logging to assess rock joint are adopted.
Statue development through four stages of Mockup, state of the art three-dimensional scanning technique and computer numerical control production technique adopted to ensure accurate reproduction of minute details.
Approximately 1850 Metric Ton of Bronze cladding shall be erected without any external staging.
Statue development through four stages of Mockup, state of the art three-dimensional scanning technique and computer numerical control production technique adopted to ensure accurate reproduction of minute details.
Shrestha Bharat Bhavan is designed to be approximately 52-key, providing a 3-star facility on two guestroom levels above a public floor containing meal services, a ballroom, and other meeting and event spaces. King rooms and suites are located on the river side of the building, where they have access to balconies overlooking generous gardens.
The simple and modern architectural character of the Shrestha Bharat Bhavan is complemented by lush plantings along the balconies, linking the building to the landscape and reinforcing the environmental theme of the development.
Distinctive and dramatically lit architectural elements, such as the circular stair hall facing the garden and river, create a special guest experience as well as a memorable image of the Hotel.Museum & Audio Visual Gallery
The Statue of Unity Project will also include a unique museum and audio-visual department depicting the life and times of Sardar Vallabhbai Patel.
A Laser, Light and Sound show on the efforts of Unification of India.
A research centre dedicated to the research and development of subjects close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s heart like Good Governance and Agriculture Development. Here, subjects like Water Management and Tribal Development will also be studied and researched
A heavy-load open lift with a panoramic view will be built alongside the Statue of Unity. Visitors will be able to rise up within statue, walk into a viewing gallery and enjoy a panoramic view of the Sardar Sarovar Nigam project and the surrounding region from an astounding height of close to 400ft.
Refreshment areas like restaurants and recreational spots to make the project area an attractive tourist spot, thus facilitating tourism and employment for the surrounding tribal region.
The statue and surrounding area will be accessed by special boats to avoid vehicular traffic and pollution
1. Did You Know the Statue of Unity will have a viewing gallery at 153 m, which can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a go, and will offer an expansive view of the dam and environs?
2. Did You Know the time for construction of the Statue of Unity, the WorldsTallestStatue, is fixed at 42 months? No escalation on labour, fuel, and material is allowed.
3. Did You Know the Statue of Unity, the WorldsTallest Statue, will be able to withstand wind velocity up to 60 m/sec, vibration and earthquake? — at Sardar Sarovar Dam.
4. Did You Know 22500 M ton of cement will be used to build the StatueofUnity, the WorldsTallest Statue?
