The Iron Man of India stands tall

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the Statue of Unity, a towering 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, in Narmada on Wednesday. 

The PM said that it would continue to remind the future generations of the courage and the resolve of Sardar Patel. PM Modi used the occasion to attack those criticising the statue, questioning whether constructing memorials for national heroes like Patel was a crime.

At the ceremony, which coincided with Sardar Patel’s 143rd birth anniversary, PM Modi and other dignitaries poured soil and Narmada water into a Kalash to mark the statue’s dedication.

The Indian Air Force helicopters showered flower petals on the statue, while fighter jets held Fly Past spreading saffron, white and green colours in the sky in the backdrop of the statue. Troupes from as many as 31 states performed at the dedication ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, PM Modi slammed those who had criticised the move to build the world’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel.

“I am surprised when some people dare to see our mission with political perspective. We are criticised when we do something in praise of a great leader like Sardar Patel, as if we have committed a great crime. I wish to ask — Is it a crime to remember great persons of our country?” he questioned.

Around 10 members of Sardar Patel’s family also witnessed unveiling of the statue, and said that the Iron Man was finally getting his due.

The Prime Minister also said that Sardar Patel made India stronger by merging different princely states with the country.