29/06/2024
The **Statue of Unity** is an awe-inspiring monument located near Kevadia in the state of Gujarat, India. Here are some key facts about it:
1. **Height**: Standing at a staggering 182 meters (597 feet), the Statue of Unity is the **world's tallest statue**. It pays tribute to Indian statesman and independence activist **Vallabhbhai Patel**.
2. **Depiction**: The statue portrays Patel, who served as the **first deputy primeg minister and home minister** of independent India. His role in the **political integration of India** is highly respected.
3. **Location**: You'll find the statue in Gujarat, overlooking the **Narmada River** in the Kevadiya colony. It faces the **Sardar Sarovar Dam**, approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) southeast of Vadodara city².
4. **Design and Construction**: Indian sculptor **Ram V. Sutar** designed the statue, which is an enlarged version of another Patel statue at Ahmedabad International Airport. Construction began in October 2013 by **Larsen & Toubro**, with a total cost of ₹27 billion (about US$422 million). It was inaugurated on 31 October 2018, Patel's 143rd birth anniversary³.
5. **Historical Significance**: Vallabhbhai Patel played a crucial role in unifying **562 princely states** to form modern India's political boundaries. His legacy lives on through this remarkable monument⁴.
If you ever get the chance, visiting the Statue of Unity is an experience that captures both history and architectural marvel!