The Statue of Unity could not unite the Opposition

What is the Statue of Unity?

Statue of Unity is touted to be the world’s tallest on the Narmada River.  This is to pay the tribute to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary.

Sardar Patel was crucial leader who unified the country  after the independence. The statue took 3000 crore to be build. It will add symbolic and rhetorical pride among Indians.

Remembering Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel

During 1947, it was a critical time for India’s history. Colonial rule was about to end so was the partition of India was sure. There were various princely states who considered themselves as a separate nation. To bring them in India was a tough task – this tough task was performed by the ‘Iron-Man’ of India.

Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city. He also focussed on other aspects of urban infrastructure such as roads, electricity and education.

Idea of Cooperative Societies

Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularized the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many.

Trust and Integrity

Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. He led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth.
His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action.” 

Everyone trusted him, his words and his actions. Sardar Patel continues to be respected across caste, creed, faith, age!

Who Built it?
The statue was designed by Padma Vibhushan winning sculptor Ram V Sutar. It took 250 engineers and 3400 labourers to construct the statue in 33 months.

The Criticism

Opposition and some critiques have called the statue as political vanity project. The world’s tallest statue is in Spring Temple Buddha in China which is not among top 10 tourist attractions of China. The cost of Statue is higher while the country has already been facing huge economic challenges. The revenue generated through tourism would not also be enough- as claimed by people who do not stand with the decision of building the statue of Unity. Even there are various monuments which need money to be saved. Therefore, basically people objected with their reasons.

The Statue of Unity - A Monumental Achievement Or a Monumental Waste?

The Statue of Unity stands as a monument to India's engineering excellence and national pride, honoring one of their revered leaders. Situated in western Indian state of Gujarat and standing 182 meters (597 feet), it stands as one of the tallest statues ever created; symbolizing strength and unification and creating part of India's amazing legacy.

The iconic landmark was constructed to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, often referred to as the "Iron Man of India." Patel served as India's initial home minister and deputy Prime Minister during its independence struggle from Britain; one of Mahatma Gandhi's staunchest supporters; he united all 562 kingdoms under British Raj and part of India into one single unified nation under his guidance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated it on October 31st 2018, the 143rd anniversary of Patel's birth.

This engineering marvel took years to build. Constructed of concrete and reinforced steel, the statue stands on a 52m (172ft) foundation. Around three million tons of steel was donated by local farmers; much of it went towards building the figure itself which incorporates bronze as well as transparent materials that let light through; its height surpasses even that of America's Statue of Liberty - fitting tribute to India's Iron Man!

Visitors of the Statue of Unity can take part in many exciting activities and attractions within its complex. Activities range from viewing galleries, museums and gardens that all provide unforgettable experiences for visitors. It is advised to plan their visit ahead and arrive early so as to avoid long queues at arrival time; opening hours for this complex are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day so your trip should fit seamlessly with your schedule.

Travel to the Statue of Unity between November and February for optimal conditions, when temperatures will be pleasant and comfortable. Booking tickets online to save both time and money; make sure that you allow enough time to see all of its attractions!

The fastest and easiest way to reach the Statue of Unity is via air. The nearest airport, Civil Airport Harni in Vadodara, provides service from other cities within India and once arrived can hire a taxi directly from there to the statue. You could also arrive by train - Vadodara Railway Station provides convenient rail connectivity throughout India.