STATUE OF UNITY

Vallabhbhai Patel (31 October 1875 – 15 December 1950)

 was a political and social leader of India who played a major role in the country's struggle for independence and guided its integration into a united, independent nation. He was called as "Iron Man Of India" In India and across the world, he was often addressed as Sardar which means Chief in many languages of India.

Vallabhbhai Patel was employed in 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 non-violent civil disobedience 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.

Features of the Project

Statue of Unity an Icon of India

AN ICONIC 182METERS STATUE that’s a tribute to the Iron Man of India, is to be 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 between the Satpuda and Vindhyachal 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. 2063 crore, and will be completed in four years.

Comparison with Other Tall Statues :

The Statue of Unity will be double the height of the Statue of Liberty in the USA and five times taller than the Statue of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Project Objective

As a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue will not only remind every individual of our great nation’s freedom struggle; it 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 underlying themes and pillars associated with the monument are:

(i)  Livelihood Generation

(ii)  Tribal Development

(iii)  Research & Education

(iv)  Social Infrastructure

(v)  Employment Generation

(vi)  Environment Protection

A monument of this stature will act as a catalyst to accelerate growth of the Narmada District, benefitting the resident population at large.

ICON BASED RURAL AND TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT

The project site will be completed with modern infrastructure which will support better standard of living for locals as well as better connectivity for visitors.

·         The project site will be connected with modern connectivity infrastructure such as expressways, improved rail system and helipads

·         Through scientific area planning, clean industries will be located around the project site

·         Research facilities in the area of biotechnology, clean energy and ethnic crafts will generate white collar jobs in this area

·         Location and development of educational institutions in the areas of agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture will generate an educational and skill development complex to support economic activity in the region

·         Development of tourism infrastructure to support MICE - Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions; which will generate huge livelihood opportunities for the local tribal population.

Project Implementation Team:

·  1 Mr. S.S. Rathore, IAS (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director -Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited (SSNNL), Gandhinagar.

·  2 Mr. K. Srinivas, IAS, Member Secretary- Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) and Joint Managing Director, SSNNL, Gandhinagar

·  3 Mr. K. V. Sanghavi, Chief Engineer, Project Director, & Director (Canals)- SSNNL, Gandhinagar.

·  4 Mr. R. G. Kanungo, Superintending Engineer - SSNNL, Kevadia Colony.

·  5 Mr. H. R. Zoravia, Executive Engineer - SSNNL, Tourism Division, Kevadia Colony.

·  6 Mr. B.J. Vasavada, Consultant- SSNNL / SVPRET, Gandhinagar.

·  7 Mr. V.C. Shah, Deputy General Manager- SVPRET, Gandhinagar