Gujarat set to install 182 mts statue of 'Iron man of India' soon

Mangalore, Dec 7: A 182-metre tall statue of Iron Man of India Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, touted as the world's tallest statue will be installed on the banks of river Narmada in Gujarat under the aegis of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust as a tribute to one of the founding fathers of the Republic of India.

As part of the nation-wide'Statue of Unity' campaign, a delegation from Gujarat under the leadership of Gujarat Energy Minister Saurabhbhai Patel arrived in Mangalore on Saturday to promote the project and requested for people's participation and support in the ambitious project.

“The statue named as Statue of Unity - will be installed at Sadhubet, near Sardar Sarovar Dam built across river Narmada. Chief Minister of Gujarat Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the same on October 31, the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel. As part of this campaign, used farm iron tools will be collected from all the villages across India, which will be melted and used in the making of the statue,” he told reporters at a press conference.

Write, Run for Unity

“The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) will conduct programmes across the country to create awareness about the project and its iron collection drive,” he said.

As part of the campaign,'Write for Unity' – a slogan and essay competition will be held in 1.67 lakh schools across India. A unique marathon,'Run for Unity' will be held simultaneously in over 560 places in the country on December 15, the death anniversary of Sardar Patel.

Along with materials, he said that they would also collect a letter signed by the senior villagers with the objective of achieving better governance in India.

Patel claimed the statue project was "apolitical" and it has nothing to do in promoting Narendra Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate.

On December 15, the Trust which is headed by Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi will be organizing the 2-km marathon across the country. In Karnataka, the marathon will be held in 28 towns and cities including Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Mangalore and Belgaum.