Statue of Unity-The New Pride Symbol of India

Is ' Statue of Unity' the new pride of India? Time comes when like National Flag and National Emblem few more things,places and persons become National Pride. Now when 'Statue of Unity is dedicated to public on 31st October,2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,the debate is on to evaluate 'Statue Of Unity' as new pride of India which is also the tallest standing statue in existing world. More over since it is statue of one of the tallest leaders of pre and post independence India who accomplished the uphill task of uniting India under one geography,it is unquestionable to call it a right move at a right time to boost morale of Indians across world.Sardar Patel lived only for three years post independence but in this short span he brought 556 Riyasat,Nawabs,Raja and many other independent states under Tricolor,so the statue ,if it is tallest, mark only much taller work of Sardar. Introduction The Statue of Unity is an iconic 182 meters tall tribute to one of India’s foremost Statesmen and leader – Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The monument is located between the Vindhyachal and Satpuda ranges, rising on Sadhu-Bet Island in the Narmada River, approximately 3.5 kms downstream from the famous Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat. Project Philosophy The vision behind building the largest statue of the world is to commemorate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the man responsible for the unification of modern India. With this project, the Government of Gujarat embarks on a sincere attempt to convey to all future generations, the ideals of modern Indian nationhood that this great visionary and his epochal contributions represent. Project Plan The Statue of Unity is one of the largest projects in the world, in terms of magnitude and scale. For modern India, it will be the first crowd-funded monument, being built on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model with the funds required for the project to be raised through private and public contributions, both. Additionally, iron from used farming implements and soil collected from villages across the country is being utilized in the construction of the project, ensuring that Indians from all walks of life has got a chance to actively participate in the construction of this icon of national unity, in most of the ways possible. The Statue of unity is iconic 182 meter tall lankmark statue dedicated to sardar vallabhbhai Patel,a visionary leader and statesman hailed as the iron man of india,due to this pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence and subsequent integration.After its public inauguration by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Statue of Unity has become the world's tallest statue. As a memorial to Sardar Patel, the Statue of Unity provides visitors a meaningful experience that both educates and entertains, by focusing on his personage, life, and accomplishments. To this end, the statue is conceived as a naturalistic and historically accurate representation of Sardar Patel, wearing his characteristic garments, and assuming a walking stance. Additionally, a viewing gallery at around 500 feet will provide visitors a spectacular view of the Sardar Sarovar dam and its environs. A special purpose vehicle established by the government of Gujarat for the construction of the statue, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET), has developed the Statue of Unity project in the area surrounding the Sardar Sarovar Dam in the Narmada district of Gujarat. Through this project, the government promotes inclusive and equitable socio-economic growth in the region with tourism development as the key tool. This involves the development of multiple tourist attractions in the region coupled with infrastructure creation for promotion of education, research, health, rural and tribal development. As a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue not only reminds every individual of our great nation's freedom struggle but also inspires the people of our country to inculcate Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's visionary ideologies of unity, patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance. This monument is not just a mute memorial like the rest, but a fully functional, purpose-serving tribute that 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 underlying themes and pillars associated with the monument are: Livelihood Generation Social Infrastructure Tribal Development Employment Generation Research & Education Environment Protection A STATUE THAT TRULY EPITOMIZES-THE STATURE OF THE LEADER: World's best Exhibition narrating the story of Indian National Movement, the unification of India and Sardar's contribution Development of banks of River Narmada up to Bharuch Memorial Garden Development of road & rail, and tourism infrastructure Bridge connecting Sadhu Island with the mainland Schools, colleges and universities for tribal development Memorial and Visitors Center Education Research Centre and Knowledge City Improved Roadway between the Statue and Kevadia Tourism corridor from Garudeshwar to Bhadbhut Parking and Transport Site Clean Technology Research Park & Agriculture Training Centers Hotel and Convention Center The project site is completed with modern infrastructure which will support better standard of living for locals as well as better connectivity for visitors. Rich bronze cladding on the Statue that give it a fine, aesthetically pleasing look Fast elevators to reduce transit time for visitors The three-level base of the Statue - exhibit floor, mezzanine and roof - contain a Memorial Garden and a large continuous museum/exhibition hall, comprising exhibits that focus on the life and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel The observation deck, situated at a height of around 500 ft from river bed, accommodate up to 200 people at a time. It provides visitors a panoramic view, enabling them to see the beautiful Satpura and Vindhyachal mountain ranges, the 212 km long Sardar Sarovar Reservoir, and the 12 km long Garudeshwar Reservoir Access to the Statue via a 5 km boat ride A large modern canopied public plaza, overlooking the Narmada River and the Statue, comprising food stalls, ornate gift shops, retail kiosks and other amenities, that provide visitors a well-rounded tourist experience A monument of this stature will act as a catalyst to accelerate growth of the Narmada District, benefitting the resident population at large. This 182 meter tall Statue depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, spread in 19,700 sq. meter of project area, surrounded by an enormousman-made lake spread across 12 km of area. The engineering and designing at the project site witness the following activities in and around the Statue: STATUTE OF UNITY AND OTHER STATUES AROUND THE WORLD : Statue of Unity India 182 Metre Spring Temple Buddha China 153 Metre Ushiku Daibutsu Japan 120 Metre Statue of Liberty USA 93 Metre The Motherland Calls Russia 85 Metre Christ The Redeemer Brazil 38 Metre ABOUT SARDAR PATEL : The one who won over British leaders in the Satyagrah of Kheda and Bardoli, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was the Bismarck of Modern India, who led the welfare of farmers. He is renowned as the architect of independent India, as he united all diverse 562 princely states to build one great Republic of India. Shri Narendra Modi decided to pay honorable tribute which will be cherished for centuries by the whole world and it will become a matter of pride for every Indian for this great man. Built in less than five years, it is the world’s tallest, grandest and giant statue. It is a tribute to the man who united India, Sardar Patel. 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. "The Statue will stand high, not just in meters and feet, but much more in terms of academic, historical, national and spiritual values. My vision is to develop the place as a source of inspiration for ages to come". Shri Narendra Modi Honourable Prime Minister of India (Ratnesh Dwivedi is India born Academic,Journalist and Interdisciplinary Scientist who is currently engaged as Full Time Associate Professor of Journalism at Institute of Management Studies,Noida,India. Priyanka Dhyani is First Year Undergrad student of Journalism in School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Institute of Management Studies,Noida,India and this is her first write up for an International Platform)