Essay on Statue of Unity

The Statue of Unity is a monument located in the state of Gujarat, India, that was unveiled on October 31, 2018. The statue is a tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, one of the founding fathers of modern India and the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India after the country's independence in 1947.

The statue is the world's tallest statue, standing at a height of 182 meters (597 feet) and located on an island in the Narmada River near Kevadia in Gujarat. The project was first announced in 2010, and construction started in October 2013 by Indian company Larsen & Toubro, with a total construction cost of ₹27 billion (US$422 million). It was designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar and was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, on 31 October 2018, the 143rd anniversary of Patel's birth.

The Statue of Unity serves as a symbol of national pride and unity, honoring the legacy of Sardar Patel, who played a significant role in the unification of India. The statue stands as a reminder of Patel's leadership and his efforts to unify the country after independence, which involved bringing together more than 560 princely states into a single, unified India.

The statue's construction also had a significant economic impact, as it created job opportunities for local residents and boosted tourism in the region. The monument includes a viewing gallery located at a height of 153 meters (502 feet), which provides panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The statue has become a major tourist attraction in India, with visitors from all over the world coming to see the world's tallest statue and learn more about Sardar Patel's contributions to India's history. The site includes a museum, an audio-visual gallery, and a light and sound show that highlights Patel's life and legacy.

The statue has received criticism from some quarters, however, with some arguing that the money spent on its construction could have been better spent on other priorities, such as education and healthcare. Others have criticized the statue as being a symbol of the ruling party's political agenda.

Despite these criticisms, the Statue of Unity remains a symbol of pride and unity for many Indians, and a tribute to one of the country's most important leaders. It serves as a reminder of India's rich history and its continued efforts to progress and develop as a nation.