Narmada (Gujarat) [India], February 27: President of India, Draupadi Murmu, visited the Statue of Unity in Narmada district, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the world’s tallest statue, and paid tribute by offering flowers.
Accompanied by Governor Acharya Devvratji and Protocol Minister of State Jagdish Vishwakarma, President Murmu was warmly welcomed by the tribal communities of Sagbara and Tilakwada with traditional dances, including the Movi and Holi dances, at the Wall of Unity.
During the visit, the President was briefed on the life, struggles, and contributions of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, known as the Iron Man of India, particularly his role in unifying India post-independence. The visit also included an exploration of the natural beauty surrounding the Statue of Unity, offering panoramic views of the Sardar Sarovar, Narmada Dam, and the Vidyachal-Sattapuda Girima from the heart of the statue. A guide provided insights into the Statue’s construction and its significance, highlighting the various tourist facilities available at the site.
President Draupadi Murmu’s visit to Narmada coincided with Mahashivaratri on Wednesday, where she spent the night and later visited the Statue of Unity on the following day.
On the occasion, prominent figures such as SSNL Chairman Mukesh Puri, Collector SK. Modi, Superintendent of Police Prashant Sumbe, SUO CEO Yajeshwar Vyas, and Sou’s Additional Collector Gopal Bamania were present.
The 182-meter Statue of Unity stands as a monumental tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of independent India, and overlooks the River Narmada. Located on the Sadhu Bet hillock, it symbolizes Patel’s role in uniting India’s 562 princely states and establishing the Republic of India. The statue stands tall as a testament to his enduring legacy in the nation’s history.
Sardar Patel served as the first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of India from 1947 to 1950 and passed away on December 15, 1950.