Sardar (Chief) Vallabhbhai Patel, was the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, the Minister of Home Affairs, and the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Armed Forces. He was a barrister, a politician, an activist and a Freedom Fighter. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna (the highest civilian award in the Republic of India). He is a true inspiration for many people.
Today, on 31st October 2018, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, unveiled the Statue of Unity. At 182 meters, it’s the tallest statue in the world today. It’s a tribute to freedom icon Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary. During the inauguration, there was a lot of celebration and a grand ceremony where the Air Force planes showered flowers on statue. Surrounded by a 4.6 sq miles artificial lake, this statue is made up of bronze cladding, steel framing and reinforced concrete. The project was contracted to Larsen & Toubro in October 2014 for its lowest bid of ₹2,989 crore (US$420 million) for the design, construction and maintenance. It took 33 months for them to complete the project. This statue is double the height of the Statue of Liberty.
“Today is a day that will be remembered in the history of India. No Indian will ever forget this day,” Prime Minister Modi said, paying glowing tribute to Sardar Patel.
Link : https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-pm-modi-to-unveil-sardar-vallabhbhai-patels-statue-of-unity-today-10-points-1940311