Statue of Unity

The big moment is here ! India, on Wednesday, will officially become host to the tallest statue in the world when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate to the nation the Statue of Unity at Kevadiya in Gujarat’s Narmada district. The statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, built on an islet Sadhu Bet near the Sardar Sarovar Dam, stands tall at 182 metres – it will be inaugurated by the PM on October 31, which is also the birth anniversary of the Iron Man of India.

The Prime Minister’s Office said PM Modi will dedicate the statue that is twice the height of America’s world-renowned Statue of Liberty by pouring soil and water from the Narmada river into a 'kalash'. He will then do a 'virtual abhishek' of the statue by pressing a lever. Soon after, the PM will reach the Wall of Unity (a monument defining India's unity) for its inauguration. The BJP stalwart will also perform a special prayer at the statue’s feet.

The viewer’s gallery is located at a height of 153 metres and provides a breathtaking view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, its reservoir, and the Satpura and Vindhya mountain ranges, as per a report in PTI. As many as 200 people can stand on the gallery at one time.

A spectacular flypast by Indian Air Force aircraft and cultural performances would also mark the occasion. As part of the IAF performances, a team of three Surya Kiran jets will fly past leaving behind saffron, white and green colours of the national flag. This will be followed by a flypast by three Jaguars at low altitude. Meanwhile, helicopters will shower flower petals on the statue while the PM pays a floral tribute to Sardar Patel.