PM inaugurates world's tallest Statue of Unity, says 'It is an expression of new India'

The world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is all set to be inaugurated on a grand level in Gujarat tomorrow on his birth anniversary. The statue that is called “statue of unity” keeping in mind the contribution of Sardar Patel in the merger of all princely states with the Dominion of India. The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity, which is twice as tall as America’s Statue of Liberty, will be unveiled by the Prime Minister. It has been built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore, will be the world's tallest, standing 3.2 km downstream of the Narmada dam on the islet.

Background

LIVE UPDATES: The world’s tallest statue dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is all set to be inaugurated on a grand level in Gujarat today on his birth anniversary. The statue that is called “statue of unity” keeping in mind the contribution of Sardar Patel in the merger of all princely states with the Dominion of India. The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity, which is twice as tall as America’s Statue of Liberty, will be unveiled by the Prime Minister. The Sardar Patel Statue has been built at a cost of Rs 2,389 crore, will be the world's tallest, standing 3.2 km downstream of the Narmada dam on the islet.Wall of Unity:Ahead of the unveiling of the Statue of Unity, three aircraft of the IAF created the Tricolor in the sky. PM Modi will inaugurate the ‘Wall of Unity’ after this. He will then pay a floral tribute to the statue after which the two deployed MI-17 helicopters will shower flowers on the 182-meter-tall statue.Sardar Patel Museum, Tent City and Valley of FlowersAfter the inauguration of the statue of Unity, a museum based on the life of Sardar Patel will also be inaugurated by PM Modi. A 17-km-long stretch of Vally of Flowers and a tent city for tourists will also be inaugurated. Run for Unity:The ‘Run for Unity’ a marathon organised across the country to mark Patel's birth anniversary, will kick start at 7 in the morning after which the PM will embark for the venue.Opposition by tribal groups:Some Tribal groups of Narmada district have opposed the construction of the statue of Sardar Patel on the grounds that the project would deal a huge loss to the natural resources of the state. Some of the tribal leaders have decided to boycott the ceremony.

31/10/2018 12:17:32

PM Narendra Modi, BJP Chief Amit Shah, Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani and others visit museum & audio-visual gallery at 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Complex'.

31/10/2018 12:11:02

PM Modi performs 'Rashtrarpan Hetu Puja' at the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat.

31/10/2018 12:04:49

INC Chief Rahul Gandhi tweets, "Sardar Patel was a patriot, who fought for a independent, united & secular India. A man with a steely will, tempered by compassion, he was a Congressman to the core, who had no tolerance for bigotry or communalism. On his birth anniversary, I salute this great son of India."

31/10/2018 11:40:30

The Statue of Unity will be a key point in building a stronger economy and creating employment: PM Modi

31/10/2018 11:52:33

The Statue of Unity will be a key point in building a stronger economy and creating employment: PM Modi

31/10/2018 11:20:28

"I am amazed when some people of our own country dare to see this initiative from a political view and criticise us like we have committed a huge crime. Is remembering country's great personalities a crime?" says PM Modi

31/10/2018 11:19:52

"I am amazed when some people of our own country dare to see this initiative from a political view and criticise us like we have committed a huge crime. Is remembering country's great personalities a crime?" says PM Modi

31/10/2018 11:08:06

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "if it was not for Sardar Sahab's resolve, then we Indians would have to take visa to see the Gir lions, pray at Somnath, or to see Hyderabad's Charminar

31/10/2018 11:03:19

"Sardar Parel had a huge role in giving equal post to women in country's politics" says PM Narendra Modi

31/10/2018 11:02:45

"Sardar Parel had a huge role in giving equal post to women in country's politics" says PM Narendra Modi

31/10/2018 10:58:10

This is a project that we had thought about during the time when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. To build the Statue Of Unity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of soil and thus, a mass movement started: PM Modi

This is a project that we had thought about during the time when I was the Chief Minister of Gujarat. To build the Statue Of Unity, lakhs of farmers from all over India came together, gave their tools, portions of soil and thus, a mass movement started: PM Modi

31/10/2018 10:48:03

PM Modi says "Events like today are very very important in a country's history and such events are difficult to erase. It is a historic and inspiring occasion for all Indians. I am fortunate to dedicate this statue of Sardar Sahab to the nation."

31/10/2018 10:42:11

PM Modi speaks at the inauguration ceremony. He said, "the whole nation is celebrating National Unity Day on birth anniversary of Sardar Patel."

31/10/2018 10:33:36

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the world's tallest statue of unity in Gujarat

31/10/2018 10:34:26

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the world's tallest statue of unity in Gujarat

31/10/2018 09:55:52

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Tent City, located close to the world's tallest Statue of Unity, which will be inaugurated shortly. The Tent City can accommodate 500 people and has been especially constructed for the tourists who would come to visit the world's tallest statue.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Tent City, located close to the world's tallest Statue of Unity, which will be inaugurated shortly. The Tent City can accommodate 500 people and has been especially constructed for the tourists who would come to visit the world's tallest statue.

31/10/2018 09:06:40

PM Narendra Modi reaches Gujarat's Kevadiya to dedicate the ‘Statue of Unity’ to the nation as a tribute to Sardar Patel. PM Modi will also address the nation post the inauguration of the Sardar Patel statue.

31/10/2018 09:22:28

Several dancers from various parts of the country like Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Sikkim perform near the statue of Sardar Patel.

31/10/2018 08:33:47

Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal flag off Run For Unity in Guwahati on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

31/10/2018 08:24:05

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's statue which is the tallest in the world should have been made years ago. India has today paid tribute to a man who built India: Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

31/10/2018 08:15:20

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman flags off and participates in Run For Unity in Chennai.

31/10/2018 07:49:10

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore flag off “Run for Unity” in Delhi on 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Gymnast Dipa Karmakar among other sportsperson also present.

31/10/2018 07:47:44

Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore flag off “Run for Unity” in Delhi on 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Gymnast Dipa Karmakar among other sportsperson also present.

31/10/2018 08:09:28

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan participates in Run For Unity at Odisha's Bhubaneswar.

31/10/2018 07:34:57

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his respect to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary.

31/10/2018 07:33:40

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his respect to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary.

31/10/2018 07:30:42

Prime Minister Narendra Modi pays his respect to Sardar Patel on his birth anniversary.

31/10/2018 07:33:06

President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu pay their tributes to Sardar Patel.