Prime Minister Modi attended a parade in Kevadia, Gujarat, where he paid floral tributes to the 'Statue of Unity,' honoring the legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The event celebrated national unity and showcased cultural performances, reflecting the significance of Patel's contributions to India's independence and unity.

PM Modi Attends Parade In Gujarat's Kevadia, Offers Floral Tributes To 'Statue Of Unity'

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<p>A report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory states that a 213-meters wide asteroid named 2022 OE02, larger than the Statue of Unity (182 meters) located in the state of Gujarat, India is expected to come as close as 5.1 million kilometres to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA has classified the asteroid as a potentially hazardous asteroid; meaning, it is a near-Earth Object (NEO) that poses a significant threat to the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A slight deviation in its current path and the asteroid might be hurtling towards the earth. However, scientists are assured that the asteroid will safely pass the Earth as the distance, roughly 13 times the average distance between Earth and the moon is far too long to bridge.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by WION, earlier this year in May, a giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, larger than the Empire State Building whizzed past the Earth. At the time as well, scientists were concerned with the trajectory of the asteroid.</p>

<p>However, the asteroid, which has made multiple rounds of Earth's orbit in the last few years, safely passed it at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres. It is due to zoom past again in May 2024 but much farther at 6.9 million miles. The next time it’ll come anywhere near as close as this weekend won’t be until May 2163.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-a-few-hours-a-1600-ft-wide-asteroid-will-come-close-to-earth-say-scientists-478358" target="_blank">In a few hours, 1,600-ft wide asteroid will come close to Earth, say scientists&nbsp;</a></p>

<p>However, NASA has already started its preparation for the worst-case scenario. It has launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) which, if successful, will be earth's defence mechanism against rogue asteroids. Launched last year in November 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission will crash into Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos. The collision is expected to take place in September or October.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: NASA plans to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid: Here's Why</strong></p>

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<p>DART is the latest of several NASA missions of recent years to explore and interact with asteroids, primordial rocky remnants from the solar system's formation 4.6 billion years ago. There are 10,000 known near-Earth asteroids 460 feet in size or greater, but none has a significant chance to hit in the next 100 years.</p>

<p>Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-asteroid-moon-crash-spacecraft-earth-418527" target="_blank">NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth</a></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


A report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory states that a 213-meters wide asteroid named 2022 OE02, larger than the Statue of Unity (182 meters) located in the state of Gujarat, India is expected to come as close as 5.

A report from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory states that a 213-meters wide asteroid named 2022 OE02, larger than the Statue of Unity (182 meters) located in the state of Gujarat, India is expected to come as close as 5.1 million kilometres to Earth. NASA has classified the asteroid as a potentially hazardous asteroid; meaning, it is a near-Earth Object (NEO) that poses a significant threat to the planet. A slight deviation in its current path and the asteroid might be hurtling towards the earth. However, scientists are assured that the asteroid will safely pass the Earth as the distance, roughly 13 times the average distance between Earth and the moon is far too long to bridge. As reported by WION, earlier this year in May, a giant 1,600-foot wide asteroid, larger than the Empire State Building whizzed past the Earth. At the time as well, scientists were concerned with the trajectory of the asteroid. However, the asteroid, which has made multiple rounds of Earth's orbit in the last few years, safely passed it at a distance of 3.2 million kilometres. It is due to zoom past again in May 2024 but much farther at 6.9 million miles. The next time it’ll come anywhere near as close as this weekend won’t be until May 2163. Read More: In a few hours, 1,600-ft wide asteroid will come close to Earth, say scientists However, NASA has already started its preparation for the worst-case scenario. It has launched its Double Asteroid Redirection Test mission (DART) which, if successful, will be earth's defence mechanism against rogue asteroids. Launched last year in November 2021 on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the mission will crash into Dimorphos, a small moon that revolves around the asteroid Didymos. The collision is expected to take place in September or October. Watch: Gravitas: NASA plans to smash a spacecraft into an asteroid: Here's Why × DART is the latest of several NASA missions of recent years to explore and interact with asteroids, primordial rocky remnants from the solar system's formation 4.6 billion years ago. There are 10,000 known near-Earth asteroids 460 feet in size or greater, but none has a significant chance to hit in the next 100 years. Read More: NASA to crash spacecraft into asteroid's moon to save Earth (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

An asteroid bigger than Statue of Unity to hurtle dangerously close to Earth

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed happiness after former Prime Minister H D Devegowda visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.</p>

<p>Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Happy to see our former PM H D Devegowda Ji visit the Statue of Unity."</p>

<p>Devegowda went to pay a visit to the 182-meter tall statue of India's first deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat's Kevadia.</p>

<p>Modi had announced to build the statue when he was Gujarat's Chief Minister in memory of India's first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of the pre-independent country to build the Republic of India.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Happy to see our former PM Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/H_D_Devegowda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@H_D_Devegowda</a> Ji visit the ‘Statue of Unity.’ <a href="https://t.co/GVWMo7UIow">https://t.co/GVWMo7UIow</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1180660929161154560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in October last year, inaugurated the statue on the occasion of Patel`s 143rd birth anniversary.</p>

<p>On his birthday on September 17 last month, Modi visited the statue and the Statue of Unity brought Kevadia and state of Gujarat on the tourism map of the world.</p>

<p>The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 23 lakh people have come to see the statue since it was unveiled last year.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed happiness after former Prime Minister H D Devegowda visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Happy to see our former PM H D Devegowda Ji visit the Statue of Unity.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed happiness after former Prime Minister H D Devegowda visited the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. Taking to Twitter, Modi tweeted, "Happy to see our former PM H D Devegowda Ji visit the Statue of Unity." Devegowda went to pay a visit to the 182-meter tall statue of India's first deputy Prime Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat's Kevadia. Modi had announced to build the statue when he was Gujarat's Chief Minister in memory of India's first Deputy Prime Minister Sardar Patel who is credited with uniting all 562 princely states of the pre-independent country to build the Republic of India. Happy to see our former PM Shri @H_D_Devegowda Ji visit the ‘Statue of Unity.’ https://t.co/GVWMo7UIow — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 6, 2019 × Prime Minister Narendra Modi had, in October last year, inaugurated the statue on the occasion of Patel`s 143rd birth anniversary. On his birthday on September 17 last month, Modi visited the statue and the Statue of Unity brought Kevadia and state of Gujarat on the tourism map of the world. The Prime Minister highlighted that more than 23 lakh people have come to see the statue since it was unveiled last year.

After Devegowda's visit to Statue of Unity, PM tweets happy to see him there

<p>After 'Statue of Unity'&nbsp;in Gujarat was included in TIME magazine's 'World's 100 Greatest Places of 2019'&nbsp;list, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he is glad that it is emerging as a "popular tourist spot."</p>

<p>"Excellent news vis-a-vis the 'Statue of Unity'- it finds a spot in the @TIME 100 greatest places 2019 list. And, a few days back, a record 34,000 people visited the site in a single day. Glad that it is emerging as a popular tourist spot," Prime Minister Modi tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Excellent news vis-à-vis the ‘Statue of Unity’- it finds a spot in the <a href="https://twitter.com/TIME?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TIME</a> 100 greatest places 2019 list.<br />
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And, a few days back, a record 34,000 people visited the site in a single day.<br />
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Glad that it is emerging as a popular tourist spot!<a href="https://t.co/zLSNmwCKyc">https://t.co/zLSNmwCKyc</a> <a href="https://t.co/7xmjWCz9xo">pic.twitter.com/7xmjWCz9xo</a></p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1166551420180545536?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 28, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>PM Modi had in October last year inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 'Statue of Unity'&nbsp;on the occasion his 143rd birth anniversary.</p>

<p>Located on Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the 182-metre tall statue occupies over 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake.Besides 'Statue of Unity', Soho House Mumbai has also been included in the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another entry from India that made to the coveted list was Soho House Mumbai. Soho House was rated one of the best spots to stay this year according to TIME Magazine. It is Asia’s first Soho House.</p>


After 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat was included in TIME magazine's 'World's 100 Greatest Places of 2019' list, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he is glad that it is emerging as a "popular tourist spot.

After 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat was included in TIME magazine's 'World's 100 Greatest Places of 2019' list, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that he is glad that it is emerging as a "popular tourist spot." "Excellent news vis-a-vis the 'Statue of Unity'- it finds a spot in the @TIME 100 greatest places 2019 list. And, a few days back, a record 34,000 people visited the site in a single day. Glad that it is emerging as a popular tourist spot," Prime Minister Modi tweeted. Excellent news vis-à-vis the ‘Statue of Unity’- it finds a spot in the @TIME 100 greatest places 2019 list. And, a few days back, a record 34,000 people visited the site in a single day. Glad that it is emerging as a popular tourist spot!https://t.co/zLSNmwCKyc pic.twitter.com/7xmjWCz9xo — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2019 × PM Modi had in October last year inaugurated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's 'Statue of Unity' on the occasion his 143rd birth anniversary. Located on Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the 182-metre tall statue occupies over 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake.Besides 'Statue of Unity', Soho House Mumbai has also been included in the list. Another entry from India that made to the coveted list was Soho House Mumbai. Soho House was rated one of the best spots to stay this year according to TIME Magazine. It is Asia’s first Soho House.

Statue of Unity finds spot on TIME magazine's 'World's 100 Greatest Places'; PM Modi elated

A new museum opening at the Statue of Liberty is giving visitors another opportunity to explore its history and the impact the iconic structure has had on the world.

New Statue of Liberty Museum set to open

<p>Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said.</p>

<p>The train, which will be run under the government's Bharat Darshan scheme, will have a seven-night and eight-day tour package beginning March 4 from Chandigarh, it said.</p>

<p>The journey will also cover pilgrimage sites like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Indore, MP, Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.</p>

<p>Priced at Rs 7,560 per person, the tour package has multiple boarding and de-boarding stations viz Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt, Rewari, Alwar and Jaipur, the statement said.</p>

<p>"The package has been designed to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Train will halt at Vadodara station and passengers will be taken to the Statue of Unity by buses," it said.</p>

<p>The Statue of Unity is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in front of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue at a height of 182 metres.</p>

<p>The package includes the train journey in non-AC sleeper class, hall or dormitory accommodation at places of night stay, morning freshen up, road transportation, pure vegetarian meals, sightseeing as per the itinerary by non-AC vehicles, services of tour manager, according to the statement.</p>

<p>The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity at Kevadia Colony in Narmada district has become a major attraction for the tourists after it was opened to public last year.</p>

<p>It had made a collection of Rs 1.26 crore within three days since November 8. By December, the daily footfall had reached 30,000, according to the state government.&nbsp;</p>


Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said.

Railways will run a special train for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, five months after it was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a statement from the ministry said. The train, which will be run under the government's Bharat Darshan scheme, will have a seven-night and eight-day tour package beginning March 4 from Chandigarh, it said. The journey will also cover pilgrimage sites like Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, Omkareshwar Jyotirlinga near Indore, MP, Shirdi Sai Baba Darshan, Trimbakeshwar in Nashik, Maharashtra, and Ghrishneshwar Jyotirlinga in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Priced at Rs 7,560 per person, the tour package has multiple boarding and de-boarding stations viz Chandigarh, Ambala, Kurukshetra, Karnal, Panipat, Delhi Cantt, Rewari, Alwar and Jaipur, the statement said. "The package has been designed to pay tribute to the Iron Man of India, Shri Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Train will halt at Vadodara station and passengers will be taken to the Statue of Unity by buses," it said. The Statue of Unity is situated on the river island called Sadhu Bet in front of the Narmada Dam in Gujarat. It is the world's tallest statue at a height of 182 metres. The package includes the train journey in non-AC sleeper class, hall or dormitory accommodation at places of night stay, morning freshen up, road transportation, pure vegetarian meals, sightseeing as per the itinerary by non-AC vehicles, services of tour manager, according to the statement. The 182-metre tall Statue of Unity at Kevadia Colony in Narmada district has become a major attraction for the tourists after it was opened to public last year. It had made a collection of Rs 1.26 crore within three days since November 8. By December, the daily footfall had reached 30,000, according to the state government.

Railways to run special train to Statue of Unity from March 4

<p>The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">world's tallest statue</a>, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/things-to-know-about-statue-of-unity-174538">'Statue of Unity'</a> at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday.</p>

<p>This information was given by Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan in reply to a question asked by senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.</p>

<p>"A total amount of Rs 300 crore has been released by the Central Government for construction of the Statue of Unity," the Minister said in the written reply.</p>

<p>He further said, the Ministry of Finance did not direct any public sector undertaking (PSU)/Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) to provide funds towards the construction of the statue.</p>

<p>Besides, Radhakrishnan said there were no details available with the ministry of any foreign funding for construction of the statue.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/meet-ram-sutar-the-sculptor-who-carved-vallabhbhais-statute-of-unity-174566">statue</a> to the nation on October 31 last year.</p>

<p>The total cost of the statue is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore.&nbsp;</p>


The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of world's tallest statue, the 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday.

The government has provided Rs 300 crore for the construction of world's tallest statue, the 'Statue of Unity' at Kevadiya in Narmada District of Gujarat, the Parliament was informed Friday. This information was given by Minister of State for Finance P Radhakrishnan in reply to a question asked by senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge. "A total amount of Rs 300 crore has been released by the Central Government for construction of the Statue of Unity," the Minister said in the written reply. He further said, the Ministry of Finance did not direct any public sector undertaking (PSU)/Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) to provide funds towards the construction of the statue. Besides, Radhakrishnan said there were no details available with the ministry of any foreign funding for construction of the statue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the statue to the nation on October 31 last year. The total cost of the statue is estimated at around Rs 3,000 crore.

Centre provided Rs 300 crore towards Statue of Unity in Gujarat, Parliament informed

<p>Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-rams-statue-should-be-taller-than-statue-of-unity-azam-khan-175363">statue of Lord Ram</a> in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Awasthi added that while the statue will be 151 metres tall, the overhead umbrella of the statue will be 20 metres and its the pedestal would be 50 metres, making it a 221-metre statue, the tallest in the world beating the newly inaugurated Statue of Unity in Gujarat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The minister informed that a museum would be housed at the pedestal of the statue. As many as five firms have been shortlisted for the construction of the mammoth statue.</p>

<p>Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the presentation by the construction firms on Saturday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-worlds-tallest-unveiled-by-pm-modi-as-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-174548">Statue of Unity in Gujarat</a> which currently stands as the tallest statue in the world.</p>

<p>At 182-metre, the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in Gujarat on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, according to reports, the government of Maharashtra is also planning to install a Shivaji statue in Mumbai which is said to be ready by the year 2021. The statue is reported to be 212 metres tall, surpassing the total height of the Statue of Unity.&nbsp;</p>


Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya.

Uttar Pradesh Principal Secretary (Information) Avanish Awasthi on Saturday said that the state government will install a 221-metre bronze statue of Lord Ram in Ayodhya. Awasthi added that while the statue will be 151 metres tall, the overhead umbrella of the statue will be 20 metres and its the pedestal would be 50 metres, making it a 221-metre statue, the tallest in the world beating the newly inaugurated Statue of Unity in Gujarat. The minister informed that a museum would be housed at the pedestal of the statue. As many as five firms have been shortlisted for the construction of the mammoth statue. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the presentation by the construction firms on Saturday. On October 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Statue of Unity in Gujarat which currently stands as the tallest statue in the world. At 182-metre, the statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel stands in Gujarat on a river island facing the Sardar Sarovar Dam on river Narmada. Meanwhile, according to reports, the government of Maharashtra is also planning to install a Shivaji statue in Mumbai which is said to be ready by the year 2021. The statue is reported to be 212 metres tall, surpassing the total height of the Statue of Unity.

Ram statue in Ayodhya to be tallest in the world: UP government

<p>Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-economic-growth-held-back-due-to-demonetisation-gst-raghuram-rajan-176545">Raghuram Rajan</a> has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence.</p>

<p>Speaking at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Mr Rajan referred to the recently unveiled "Statue of Unity" as an example of a project that required the approval of the Prime Minister's Office, drawing laughter from the audience.</p>

<p>On the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the "Statue of Unity" in Gujarat's Narmada district on October 31. Billed as the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/lord-rams-statue-should-be-taller-than-statue-of-unity-azam-khan-175363">tallest statue in the world</a>, the 182-metre tall statue was built at a cost of Rs&nbsp;2,989 crore.</p>

<p>"India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," he said.</p>

<p>Mr Rajan, returned to academia in 2016 after his three-year tenure as RBI governor, choosing to not seek a second term — a first in over two decades.</p>

<p>On Friday, he said an example of India's centralisation of political decision-making was the quantum of decisions that required the assent of the Prime Minister's Office.</p>

<p>Nobody wants to take a decision, unless it has approval up there, which means even if the Prime Minister works 18 hours a day, a very hard-working prime minister, there is only so much time he has, Mr Rajan said.</p>

<p>The kind of projects that get done depends on the prime minister, he said.</p>

<p>"For example, we build this massive statue, the Sardar Patel statue on time," Mr Rajan said amidst laughter and applause from the audience.</p>

<p>"That suggests that when there is a will, there is a way. Can we find that will for everything else?" he asked.</p>

<p>In addition to excessive centralisation, the unwillingness of the bureaucracy, including in the public sector, to take initiatives, is another major problem, he said.</p>

<p>Mr Rajan said ever since the corruption scandals hit India, the bureaucracy had stepped back.</p>


Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence.

Excessive centralisation of power in the political decision making is one of India's main problems, former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan has said, at a time when the country's central bank is locked in a tussle with the central government over its independence. Speaking at the University of California in Berkley on Friday, Mr Rajan referred to the recently unveiled "Statue of Unity" as an example of a project that required the approval of the Prime Minister's Office, drawing laughter from the audience. On the 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the "Statue of Unity" in Gujarat's Narmada district on October 31. Billed as the tallest statue in the world, the 182-metre tall statue was built at a cost of Rs 2,989 crore. "India can't work from the centre. India works when you have many people taking up the burden. And today the central government is excessively centralised," he said. Mr Rajan, returned to academia in 2016 after his three-year tenure as RBI governor, choosing to not seek a second term — a first in over two decades. On Friday, he said an example of India's centralisation of political decision-making was the quantum of decisions that required the assent of the Prime Minister's Office. Nobody wants to take a decision, unless it has approval up there, which means even if the Prime Minister works 18 hours a day, a very hard-working prime minister, there is only so much time he has, Mr Rajan said. The kind of projects that get done depends on the prime minister, he said. "For example, we build this massive statue, the Sardar Patel statue on time," Mr Rajan said amidst laughter and applause from the audience. "That suggests that when there is a will, there is a way. Can we find that will for everything else?" he asked. In addition to excessive centralisation, the unwillingness of the bureaucracy, including in the public sector, to take initiatives, is another major problem, he said. Mr Rajan said ever since the corruption scandals hit India, the bureaucracy had stepped back.

Today, the central government is excessively centralised: Raghuram Rajan

<p>Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride. Kevadiya, the town of only 6,800 people that is nearest to the statue on the banks of the Narmada river, has an immediate political significance as well.</p>

<p>While the Hindi belt has officially dominated Indian democratic politics since Independence, the fact is that Gujarat had given three major leaders shaping modern India before Modi came on the scene: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai.</p>

<p>Patel welded 562 princely states into a modern republic after Gandhi led the Indian National Congress that spearheaded the movement to win freedom from British rule. Patel's differences with Nehru were healthy and not serious but have provided political ammunition to Nehru bashers six decades later, who act in the belief that the younger generation will see the differences as a deep rift.</p>

<p>Desai came much later but had his own significance. As the prime minister who headed India's first non-Congress government for two years from 1977, Desai was important because his rule came after a brutal Emergency rule under Indira Gandhi. Perhaps even more important, Indira's rise a decade earlier had pitted Desai against her within the Congress before she split the nation's leading party in a populist upsurge backed by a slew of left-wing parties and groups. The Statue of Unity in that sense represents a lineage of differences within the Congress involving towering Gujaratis.</p>

<p>Modi's politics has three different strains. First, is, of course, the Hindutva ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of he has been a long-time soldier. Second is a modern face that stresses clean governance, decisive policy-making and industrialisation. The third and the least spoken about is Gujarati pride.</p>

<p>I have reasons to believe that Modi's attempt to appropriate the late Congress leader, Sardar Patel, despite Patel's criticism of RSS and its ways, is an attempt to project himself in the lineage of a great Gujarati.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Modi knows that no national leader can command a huge following when his own base is not safe. While Gujarat is still under the BJP with Modi's loyalists in power, the last assembly election that saw an eroded party strength and the rise of young anti-BJP leaders like Jignesh Melvani and Hardik Patel showed that he can take nothing for granted in the state that has 26 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The Statue of Unity in that sense speaks for Gujarati unity in a charged political atmosphere.</p>

<p>Modi needs every trick in the bag to tower over Gujarat. Standing at the foot of a giant statue of Sardar Patel in an interior part of the state has strong visual symbolism. The younger generation will see him not just as a spunky small-town tea-seller who made it big as a national leader in India but as one who belongs in a great lineage. Modi knows that in a dynamically changing India, Hindutva has limited value, and his own 'Moditva' that crafts his own cocktail of a personality cult and a slew of slogans and promises would be vital if he has to maintain his front-running role in a volatile democracy of more than 100 crore people. Locating himself in a grand lineage strengthens the Moditva plank.</p>

<p>In the shifting sands of coalition politics in India, Modi cannot afford to play the hardline Hindu card the way the Bharatiya Janata Party played in the high noon of the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s. Having tried to register his mark as a modern international leader, he needs 'Moditva' with a populist twist. As things stand, local populism based on Gujarati pride works far better - and is a lot less risky - than any plank that deepens Hindu-Muslim divides. Modi simply cannot afford divisive politics anymore, as he has arrived on the national scene already and stands to gain more from cementing divides than fomenting them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A healthy regional pride is accepted worldwide more than religious parochialism. The Rs 2,989-crore statue of Patel gives Modi an architectural marvel that stands for many things at once: Gujarati pride, ambition, tradition, novelty and creativity. Even if Modi appears small in front of the statue in carefully crafted photographs, he will be seen by Gujarati youth as an inheritor of values of the Grand Unifier. That hopefully enhances Modi's prospects in his home state, even as the BJP struggles to hold on to power in its other strongholds: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="http://zeenews.india.com/blogs/why-a-giant-sardar-patel-statue-is-a-key-piece-in-pm-modis-political-calculation-2154155.html">original article</a>)</em></p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride.

Much has been written about Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating a 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Great Unifier of India. While the more obvious political explanation for the move to erect the world's tallest statue is linked to one of his party's pet themes - Nehru family bashing - a closer look would reveal that at play is an aspect of his politics that is not discussed enough: Gujarati pride. Kevadiya, the town of only 6,800 people that is nearest to the statue on the banks of the Narmada river, has an immediate political significance as well. While the Hindi belt has officially dominated Indian democratic politics since Independence, the fact is that Gujarat had given three major leaders shaping modern India before Modi came on the scene: Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel and Morarji Desai. Patel welded 562 princely states into a modern republic after Gandhi led the Indian National Congress that spearheaded the movement to win freedom from British rule. Patel's differences with Nehru were healthy and not serious but have provided political ammunition to Nehru bashers six decades later, who act in the belief that the younger generation will see the differences as a deep rift. Desai came much later but had his own significance. As the prime minister who headed India's first non-Congress government for two years from 1977, Desai was important because his rule came after a brutal Emergency rule under Indira Gandhi. Perhaps even more important, Indira's rise a decade earlier had pitted Desai against her within the Congress before she split the nation's leading party in a populist upsurge backed by a slew of left-wing parties and groups. The Statue of Unity in that sense represents a lineage of differences within the Congress involving towering Gujaratis. Modi's politics has three different strains. First, is, of course, the Hindutva ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of he has been a long-time soldier. Second is a modern face that stresses clean governance, decisive policy-making and industrialisation. The third and the least spoken about is Gujarati pride. I have reasons to believe that Modi's attempt to appropriate the late Congress leader, Sardar Patel, despite Patel's criticism of RSS and its ways, is an attempt to project himself in the lineage of a great Gujarati. Modi knows that no national leader can command a huge following when his own base is not safe. While Gujarat is still under the BJP with Modi's loyalists in power, the last assembly election that saw an eroded party strength and the rise of young anti-BJP leaders like Jignesh Melvani and Hardik Patel showed that he can take nothing for granted in the state that has 26 seats in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The Statue of Unity in that sense speaks for Gujarati unity in a charged political atmosphere. Modi needs every trick in the bag to tower over Gujarat. Standing at the foot of a giant statue of Sardar Patel in an interior part of the state has strong visual symbolism. The younger generation will see him not just as a spunky small-town tea-seller who made it big as a national leader in India but as one who belongs in a great lineage. Modi knows that in a dynamically changing India, Hindutva has limited value, and his own 'Moditva' that crafts his own cocktail of a personality cult and a slew of slogans and promises would be vital if he has to maintain his front-running role in a volatile democracy of more than 100 crore people. Locating himself in a grand lineage strengthens the Moditva plank. In the shifting sands of coalition politics in India, Modi cannot afford to play the hardline Hindu card the way the Bharatiya Janata Party played in the high noon of the Ram Mandir movement in the 1990s. Having tried to register his mark as a modern international leader, he needs 'Moditva' with a populist twist. As things stand, local populism based on Gujarati pride works far better - and is a lot less risky - than any plank that deepens Hindu-Muslim divides. Modi simply cannot afford divisive politics anymore, as he has arrived on the national scene already and stands to gain more from cementing divides than fomenting them. A healthy regional pride is accepted worldwide more than religious parochialism. The Rs 2,989-crore statue of Patel gives Modi an architectural marvel that stands for many things at once: Gujarati pride, ambition, tradition, novelty and creativity. Even if Modi appears small in front of the statue in carefully crafted photographs, he will be seen by Gujarati youth as an inheritor of values of the Grand Unifier. That hopefully enhances Modi's prospects in his home state, even as the BJP struggles to hold on to power in its other strongholds: Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why a giant Sardar Patel statue is a key piece in PM Modi's political calculation

<p>The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments.</p>

<p>Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted.</p>

<p>Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret.</p>

<p>There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections.</p>

<p>Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.</p>


The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”.

The BJP Monday accused Congress leader P Chidambaram of “mocking” the “Ram temple initiative” and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s statue, saying the former Union minister’s comments were “highly irresponsible and very provocative”. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was a case of “classic hypocrisy” that while Congress president Rahul Gandhi visits temples and portrays himself as a ‘Shiv Bhakt’, a senior leader of his party was making such comments. Prasad’s attack on the Congress came after Chidambaram tweeted targeting the Modi government. “At the beginning of five years, the promise is for Development, Jobs and Money in every citizen’s bank account. Nothing achieved, at the end of five years, the new promise is for grand Temples, giant Statues and Doles,” the Congress leader had tweeted. Prasad said Chidambaram is obviously mocking the Ram temple initiative and the Patel’s Statue of Liberty, the tallest in the world. “Please stop it. Don’t play with sentiments,” he said, asking Gandhi to make his stand clear on the issue and demanding that he and his mother Sonia Gandhi express regret. There cannot be a bigger insult to Patel, he said, asking why the Congress reacted in such a manner to his one statue when hundreds of schemes, awards, scholarships among other recognitions are named after Nehru-Gandhi family. The Congress worked to erase Patel’s legacy and the BJP is proud that the biggest statue in his memory was built under the Modi government, Prasad said. He also objected to Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge drawing a parallel between Modi and Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and said it was due to the party’s frustration and its impending defeat in the coming elections. Polls in five states are scheduled for this month and December and will be followed by the Lok Sabha elections. Taking a dig at Kharge, Prasad said he cannot take one step without permission of his party’s ruling family while the BJP is run on democratic principles.

BJP accuses P Chidambaram of mocking Ram temple initiative, Statue of Unity

<p>Congress' social media head Divya Spandana tweeted a controversial comment along with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing next to Sardar Patel's 'Statue of Unity', evoking a sharp reaction from the BJP which slammed it as the "language of arrogance".</p>

<p>Spandana tweeted a picture of Modi standing next to Sardar Patel's 182-metre-tall statue in Gujarat, which was unveiled on Wednesday, with the comment: "Is that bird dropping?"</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Is that bird dropping? <a href="https://t.co/63xPuvfvW3">pic.twitter.com/63xPuvfvW3</a></p>
— Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) <a href="https://twitter.com/divyaspandana/status/1057842482975817728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Asked about the tweet, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit out at the opposition party, alleging that "this is the real culture" of the Congress party. They miss no opportunity to abuse the prime minister of India, he said.</p>

<p>"It is the same party which called the prime minister 'neech'. Shashi Tharoor called him a scorpion and now Divya Spandana says that he is a bird's dropping," Patra said.</p>

<p>"This is nothing but language of arrogance from the Congress party for the normal Indian who with his sheer hardwork become the prime minister of the country," he said.</p>

<p>A normal Indian appears bird's dropping to them, while a dynast is power centre for them, Patra said.</p>

<p>"This is arrogance of dynasty which is abusing the democracy of India," he alleged.</p>

<p>Despite criticism from the ruling party and Twitterati, Spandana remained defiant. "When you're done huffing &amp; puffing take a breath &amp; hold a mirror to yourselves. My views are mine. I don't give two hoots about yours. I'm not going to clarify what I meant and what I didn't cos you don't deserve one," she tweeted.</p>


Congress' social media head Divya Spandana tweeted a controversial comment along with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing next to Sardar Patel's 'Statue of Unity', evoking a sharp reaction from the BJP which slammed it as the "language of arrogance".

Congress' social media head Divya Spandana tweeted a controversial comment along with a picture of Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing next to Sardar Patel's 'Statue of Unity', evoking a sharp reaction from the BJP which slammed it as the "language of arrogance". Spandana tweeted a picture of Modi standing next to Sardar Patel's 182-metre-tall statue in Gujarat, which was unveiled on Wednesday, with the comment: "Is that bird dropping?" Is that bird dropping? pic.twitter.com/63xPuvfvW3 — Divya Spandana/Ramya (@divyaspandana) November 1, 2018 × Asked about the tweet, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra hit out at the opposition party, alleging that "this is the real culture" of the Congress party. They miss no opportunity to abuse the prime minister of India, he said. "It is the same party which called the prime minister 'neech'. Shashi Tharoor called him a scorpion and now Divya Spandana says that he is a bird's dropping," Patra said. "This is nothing but language of arrogance from the Congress party for the normal Indian who with his sheer hardwork become the prime minister of the country," he said. A normal Indian appears bird's dropping to them, while a dynast is power centre for them, Patra said. "This is arrogance of dynasty which is abusing the democracy of India," he alleged. Despite criticism from the ruling party and Twitterati, Spandana remained defiant. "When you're done huffing & puffing take a breath & hold a mirror to yourselves. My views are mine. I don't give two hoots about yours. I'm not going to clarify what I meant and what I didn't cos you don't deserve one," she tweeted.

Divya Spandana posts controversial comment with PM pic, BJP slams it as 'arrogance'

Meet the 93-year-old architect behind the World’s tallest statue - Ram Vanji Sutar

<p>The world's tallest statue which portrays one of the founding fathers of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was unveiled by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-narendra-modi-pens-tribute-to-sardar-patel-calls-him-the-maker-of-modern-india-174534">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> in his home state of Gujarat on Wednesday, the 143rd birth anniversary of Patel.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel, known as the 'Iron Man' was instrumental in the integration of nearly 500 princely states into the Indian union after independence.</p>

<p>"We bow to the great Sardar Patel, the stalwart who unified India and served the nation tirelessly, on his Jayanti," Modi tweeted before inaugurating the statue.</p>

<p>Earlier today, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Home Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel in New Delhi.</p>

<p>At a height of 182 metres, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">the iron and bronze statue</a> is twice the size of the Statue of Liberty in the US and cost $420 million to build. Sardar Patel's birth anniversary is being observed as National Unity Day.</p>

<p>"The first challenge was its height. Secondly, like I said, the location was in a remote stretch and the third problem was the structure. The shape of the statue is such that the foundation is narrower than the upper body. So that was a challenge, structure-wise," said PC Vyas, chief engineer of the Statue of Unity project.</p>

<p>It is the tallest statue in the world beating China's Spring Temple Buddha (153 metres).</p>

<p>Located in Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the statue occupies over 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake.&nbsp; The total project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2,989 crore.</p>

<p>Online booking to visit the Statue of Unity has opened with a Rs 350 admission fee for the 153-metre-high observation deck.</p>

<p>Authorities say they expect the statue will attract 15,000 visitors a day to the remote corner of Gujarat, which is about 100 kilometres from the nearest city of Vadodora.</p>

<p>India is also working on a giant statue of 17th-century warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, riding a horse and brandishing a sword, which should dominate the Mumbai shoreline from 2021. The current design would make it 212 metres high.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VRoBrf1kulM" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The world's tallest statue which portrays one of the founding fathers of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his home state of Gujarat on Wednesday, the 143rd birth anniversary of Patel.

The world's tallest statue which portrays one of the founding fathers of India, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his home state of Gujarat on Wednesday, the 143rd birth anniversary of Patel. Sardar Patel, known as the 'Iron Man' was instrumental in the integration of nearly 500 princely states into the Indian union after independence. "We bow to the great Sardar Patel, the stalwart who unified India and served the nation tirelessly, on his Jayanti," Modi tweeted before inaugurating the statue. Earlier today, President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu and Home Minister Rajnath Singh paid floral tribute to Sardar Patel in New Delhi. At a height of 182 metres, the iron and bronze statue is twice the size of the Statue of Liberty in the US and cost $420 million to build. Sardar Patel's birth anniversary is being observed as National Unity Day. "The first challenge was its height. Secondly, like I said, the location was in a remote stretch and the third problem was the structure. The shape of the statue is such that the foundation is narrower than the upper body. So that was a challenge, structure-wise," said PC Vyas, chief engineer of the Statue of Unity project. It is the tallest statue in the world beating China's Spring Temple Buddha (153 metres). Located in Sadhu-Bet Island, Gujarat, the statue occupies over 20,000 square meters and is surrounded by a 12 square km artificial lake. The total project cost is estimated to be Rs. 2,989 crore. Online booking to visit the Statue of Unity has opened with a Rs 350 admission fee for the 153-metre-high observation deck. Authorities say they expect the statue will attract 15,000 visitors a day to the remote corner of Gujarat, which is about 100 kilometres from the nearest city of Vadodora. India is also working on a giant statue of 17th-century warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji, riding a horse and brandishing a sword, which should dominate the Mumbai shoreline from 2021. The current design would make it 212 metres high.

'Statue of Unity', world's tallest, unveiled by PM Modi as tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

<p>The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common but over and above everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain.</p>

<p>It was in these circumstances that the states department came into being in June 1947. Among the chief aims of this department was to give impetus and top priority to negotiations vis-à-vis India’s relationship with the over 550 Princely States, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size, population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “The problem of the states is so difficult that you alone can solve it.”</p>

<p>In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was less and the task was Herculean, but this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his team negotiated with the princely states and ensured that they all became a part of free India. It was due to the round the clock effort of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today.</p>

<p>Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel that this was neither the time to rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar Patel’s firm resolve. VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department. In his book The Story of the Integration of Indian States, he writes about how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work assiduously.</p>

<p>On August 15, 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new destiny, but the work of nation building was far from complete. As independent India’s first home minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework that continues to serve the nation, be it in matters of day to day governance and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and marginalised.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city.</p>

<p>Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many.</p>

<p>Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a ‘Kisan Putra’ who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth.</p>

<p>His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action”.</p>

<p>This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Sardar Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us.</p>

<p>I congratulate all those who have worked day and night to ensure that this grand statue as a tribute to Sardar Patel becomes a reality. My mind goes back to October 31, 2013, when we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such a scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ in the times to come.</p>

<p>The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-sardar-patel-the-great-unifier-and-maker-of-modern-india-2681050">original article</a>)</em></p>


The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division.

The first half of 1947 was a critical period in India’s history. The end of colonial rule was certain and so was India’s Partition, but what was uncertain was whether there would be more than one division. Prices were rising, food shortages were common but over and above everything else, the unity of India was under severe strain. It was in these circumstances that the states department came into being in June 1947. Among the chief aims of this department was to give impetus and top priority to negotiations vis-à-vis India’s relationship with the over 550 Princely States, which were as diverse as they could get, be it in size, population, terrain or economic situation. No wonder Mahatma Gandhi remarked, “The problem of the states is so difficult that you alone can solve it.” In vintage Sardar Patel style, he went about his work with precision, firmness and administrative efficiency. Time was less and the task was Herculean, but this was no ordinary person, it was Sardar Patel, who was determined not to let his nation down. One by one, he and his team negotiated with the princely states and ensured that they all became a part of free India. It was due to the round the clock effort of Sardar Patel that the map of India is what it is today. Once freedom was won, VP Menon, it is said, wanted to retire from government service, only to be told by Sardar Patel that this was neither the time to rest nor the time to retire. Such was Sardar Patel’s firm resolve. VP Menon was made the Secretary of the States Department. In his book The Story of the Integration of Indian States, he writes about how Sardar Patel led from the front and inspired the entire team to work assiduously. On August 15, 1947, we celebrated the dawn of a new destiny, but the work of nation building was far from complete. As independent India’s first home minister, he set the stage for an administrative framework that continues to serve the nation, be it in matters of day to day governance and protecting the interests of the people, particularly the poor and marginalised. Sardar Patel was a veteran administrator. His own experience in governance, particularly in the 1920s, when he served the Ahmedabad municipality, was extremely handy when he worked towards strengthening independent India’s administrative framework. While in Ahmedabad, he did commendable work in furthering cleanliness in the city. He ensured clean and functioning drainage systems across the city. Today, if India is known for a vibrant cooperative sector, a large part of the credit goes to Sardar Patel. The roots of Amul can be traced back to his vision for empowering local communities, particularly women. It was Sardar Patel who also popularised the idea of cooperative housing societies, thus ensuring dignity and shelter for many. Two traits synonymous with Sardar Patel are trust and integrity. The farmers of India had unparalleled faith in him. After all, he was a ‘Kisan Putra’ who led from the front during the Bardoli Satyagraha. The working class saw him as a ray of hope, a leader who would speak up for them. Traders and industrialists preferred to work with Sardar Patel because they felt here was a stalwart who had a vision for India’s economic and industrial growth. His political peers too trusted him. Acharya Kripalani remarked that whenever they faced an issue and if Bapu’s guidance was not available, they would turn to Sardar Patel. When political negotiations were at their peak in 1947, Sarojini Naidu called him “the man of decision and man of action”. This year’s Sardar Jayanti is even more special. With the blessings of 130 crore Indians, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is being inaugurated today. Situated on the banks of the Narmada, the ‘Statue of Unity’ is the tallest in the world. ‘Dharti Putra’ Sardar Patel will stand tall in the skies, to guide us and inspire us. I congratulate all those who have worked day and night to ensure that this grand statue as a tribute to Sardar Patel becomes a reality. My mind goes back to October 31, 2013, when we laid the foundation stone for this ambitious project. In record time, a project of such a scale has become ready and this should make every Indian proud. I urge you all to visit the ‘Statue of Unity’ in the times to come. The ‘Statue of Unity’ is a symbol of both the unity of hearts and the geographical integrity of our motherland. It is a reminder that divided, we may not be even able to face ourselves. United, we can face the world and scale new heights of growth and glory. Sardar Patel worked with astonishing speed to dismantle the history of imperialism and create the geography of unity with the spirit of nationalism. He saved India from Balkanisation and integrated even the weakest of limbs into the national framework. Today, we, the 130 crore Indians are working shoulder to shoulder to build a New India that is strong, prosperous and inclusive. Every decision is being taken to ensure that the fruits of development reach the most vulnerable, without any corruption or favouritism, just as Sardar Patel would have wanted it. (This article was originally published on DNA. Read the original article)

Sardar Patel — the great unifier and maker of modern India: A tribute by PM Modi

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-invokes-never-used-before-powers-to-issue-directions-to-rbi-report-174517">Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report</a></p>

<p>The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Separate letters have been sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor in recent weeks, exercising powers under the section on issues ranging from liquidity for non-banking financial companies, capital requirement for weak banks and lending to small and medium enterprises, the report said.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513">rift</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rbi-governor-urjit-patel-may-consider-resigning-after-rift-with-government-report-174513"> with government: Report</a></p>

<p>The rift between India's central bank and the government has widened and could lead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor considering resignation, CNBC TV18 reported on Wednesday, citing sources.</p>

<p>There has been an irreversible breakdown between the RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the government, the media said, adding that all options were on the table.</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516">Live updates: Modi to </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516">unveil</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-modi-to-unveil-statue-of-unity-today-on-sardar-patels-143rd-birth-anniversary-174516"> Statue of Unity today on Sardar Patel's 143rd birth anniversary</a></p>

<p>The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Get all your updates on the story, live, from us.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-visits-pittsburgh-protesters-say-hes-responsible-for-synagogue-shooting-174508">Trump visits Pittsburgh, protesters say he's responsible for synagogue shooting that killed 11</a></p>

<p>Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue.</p>

<p>The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill."</p>

<p><br />
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-distances-himself-from-politics-says-hes-been-used-174510">Kanye West says he's been 'used', distances himself from politics</a></p>

<p>Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics.</p>

<p>West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party.</p>

<p>"My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names.</p>


Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday.

Government invokes never-used-before powers to issue directions to RBI governor: Report The Indian government has invoked never-used-before powers under the RBI Act allowing it to issue directions to the central bank governor on matters of public interest, the Economic Times reported on Wednesday. Separate letters have been sent to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor in recent weeks, exercising powers under the section on issues ranging from liquidity for non-banking financial companies, capital requirement for weak banks and lending to small and medium enterprises, the report said. RBI Governor Urjit Patel may consider resigning after rift with government: Report The rift between India's central bank and the government has widened and could lead to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor considering resignation, CNBC TV18 reported on Wednesday, citing sources. There has been an irreversible breakdown between the RBI Governor Urjit Patel and the government, the media said, adding that all options were on the table. Live updates: Modi to unveil Statue of Unity today on Sardar Patel's 143rd birth anniversary The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district. After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday. Get all your updates on the story, live, from us. Trump visits Pittsburgh, protesters say he's responsible for synagogue shooting that killed 11 Around 1,500 people took to the streets of Pittsburgh Tuesday to demonstrate peacefully in song against a visit by US President Donald Trump and to mourn 11 Jewish worshipers killed in a synagogue. The crowd of all ages and faiths, including many young families, children and the elderly, marched for six blocks holding signs that read "President Hate, Leave Our State!" and "Trump's Lies Kill." Kanye West says he's been 'used', distances himself from politics Three weeks after a bizarre White House meeting with US President Donald Trump, rapper Kanye West said on Tuesday he was distancing himself from politics. West, Trump's biggest celebrity supporter, also sought to distance himself from a new campaign that encourages black Americans to quit the Democratic Party. "My eyes are now wide open and now realize I’ve been used to spread messages I don’t believe in. I am distancing myself from politics and completely focusing on being creative!!!" West tweeted, without mentioning Trump, who is a Republican, or any other names.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<p>The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>The imposing monument, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">touted as the world's tallest statue</a>, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">देश को एकता के सूत्र में पिरोने वाले लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन।<br />
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We bow to the great Sardar Patel, the stalwart who unified India and served the nation tirelessly, on his Jayanti.</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1057448135960616960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday.</p>

<p>Modi would also inaugurate the 'Wall of Unity' (a monument defining India's unity) near the statue. At that time, three Jaguar fighter jets would fly past the structure at a low altitude, said the release.</p>

<p>After inaugurating the Wall of Unity, Modi would offer floral tributes to Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31. At the same time, two MI-17 helicopters would shower flowers on the statue, it said.</p>

<p>On the occasion, cultural and musical programmes will be performed by the bands of Gujarat Police, armed and paramilitary forces.</p>

<p>There will be dance and musical performances by artistes drawn from 29 states and two Union Territories.</p>

<p>Some of other major attractions include inauguration of a 17-km-long Valley of Flowers, a tent city for tourists near the statue and a museum dedicated to the life and times of Patel.</p>

<p>A viewing gallery at a height of 135 metres has been created inside the statue to enable tourists to have a view of the dam and nearby mountain ranges.</p>

<p>The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement.</p>

<p>The statue's construction had received opposition from some tribal groups in Narmada district.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, local tribal leaders have announced a boycott of Wednesday's event claiming "mass destruction" of natural resources due to the project.</p>

<p>In an open letter addressed to Modi, sarpanches of 22 villages situated near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river have said villagers will not welcome the prime minister when he arrives for the function.</p>

<p>"We villagers want to tell you with extreme grief that we will not welcome you on October 31. Even if you come here like an unwanted guest, you are not welcome here," said the common letter signed by sarpanches of the villages of Narmada district, located around 200 km from Ahmedabad.</p>

<p>The area still lacks basic facilities like schools, hospitals and drinking water, they alleged.&nbsp;</p>


The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Statue of Unity, a 182-metre giant structure built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, will be dedicated to the nation on Wednesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The imposing monument, touted as the world's tallest statue, is twice the height of Statue of Liberty and is built on an islet, Sadhu Bet, near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Narmada district. देश को एकता के सूत्र में पिरोने वाले लौह पुरुष सरदार वल्लभभाई पटेल को उनकी जयंती पर कोटि-कोटि नमन। We bow to the great Sardar Patel, the stalwart who unified India and served the nation tirelessly, on his Jayanti. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2018 × After Modi unveils the statue, three IAF planes would fly past and create the tricolour in the sky by emitting saffron, white and green colours, said an official release Tuesday. Modi would also inaugurate the 'Wall of Unity' (a monument defining India's unity) near the statue. At that time, three Jaguar fighter jets would fly past the structure at a low altitude, said the release. After inaugurating the Wall of Unity, Modi would offer floral tributes to Patel, whose birth anniversary falls on October 31. At the same time, two MI-17 helicopters would shower flowers on the statue, it said. On the occasion, cultural and musical programmes will be performed by the bands of Gujarat Police, armed and paramilitary forces. There will be dance and musical performances by artistes drawn from 29 states and two Union Territories. Some of other major attractions include inauguration of a 17-km-long Valley of Flowers, a tent city for tourists near the statue and a museum dedicated to the life and times of Patel. A viewing gallery at a height of 135 metres has been created inside the statue to enable tourists to have a view of the dam and nearby mountain ranges. The statue has been built using over 70,000 tonnes of cement, 18,500 tonnes of reinforcement steel, 6,000 tonnes of structural steel and 1,700 metric tonnes of bronze, which was used for the outer cladding of the structure, according to the government statement. The statue's construction had received opposition from some tribal groups in Narmada district. Meanwhile, local tribal leaders have announced a boycott of Wednesday's event claiming "mass destruction" of natural resources due to the project. In an open letter addressed to Modi, sarpanches of 22 villages situated near the Sardar Sarovar dam on the Narmada river have said villagers will not welcome the prime minister when he arrives for the function. "We villagers want to tell you with extreme grief that we will not welcome you on October 31. Even if you come here like an unwanted guest, you are not welcome here," said the common letter signed by sarpanches of the villages of Narmada district, located around 200 km from Ahmedabad. The area still lacks basic facilities like schools, hospitals and drinking water, they alleged.

Modi to unveil Statue of Unity today on Sardar Patel's 143rd birth anniversary

Know: Five other tall statues around the word

Meet the sculptor of Statue of Unity

<p>The 600-feet '<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/statue-of-unity-worlds-tallest-unveiled-by-pm-modi-as-tribute-to-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel-174548">Statue of Unity</a>' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar.</p>

<p>The gigantic structure, inaugurated by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/pm-narendra-modi-pens-tribute-to-sardar-patel-calls-him-the-maker-of-modern-india-174534">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> as tribute to Sardar Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary, can be gauged by the fact that Patel's feet itself measures a mammoth 80 feet, according to Ram.</p>

<p>As a young man back in the summer of 1947, Ram had a dream, in his own words he says a bird chirped in his ears while he was asleep that he should leave everything and follow his dream, sure enough, he left everything and struck out. Ram has made over 350 Gandhi statues the world over and at over 90 is still going strong.</p>

<p>Ram calls the unique Vallabhbhai statue as his "masterpiece" and a dream come true. Ram painstakingly looked at every detail of the towering leader right from his walk, the clothes he wore, his expressions to his sitting posture. It was a project which started in 2013 and took three and half years to conceive, build and finally to be erected alongside the picturesque dam in Gujarat.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VRoBrf1kulM" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>In his career, Ram has seen PMs and President's come and go, some vanish and other's make a mark, he has encapsulated them in his sculptures. His studio in the deepest corner of Noida in Uttar Pradesh showcases his vast array of work from Rajiv, Indira, Rajesh Pilot to a virtual who's who of Indian politics, it can easily be called India's version of Madame Taussads.</p>

<p>"This statue describes Sardar Patel as a strong-willed person," he says proudly. He is helped in his endeavour by his architect son Anil Sutar who combines his father's sculpting expertise with an architect's eye and cutting-edge engineering skills to put together statues which now has become a wonder of the world.</p>

<p>Anil informs quite candidly that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/on-statue-of-unity-inaugeration-here-are-top-five-tallest-statues-in-the-world-174352">massive bronze structure</a> has a "China touch" since it has been assembled there because India does not have a bronze foundry, of course, the father-son duo left nothing to chance spending weeks at a time in China to ensure it was conceived the way they envisioned it back home. It was brought to India in pieces, reassembled and was unveiled on October 31.</p>

<p>"There were statues of Gandhiji including of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Maulana Azad and other personalities, then it was thought a statue of Sardar Patel was needed in Parliament," he says giving due credit to Patel's contribution in India's freedom struggle and his contribution towards uniting India's princely states.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
The Padmashree awardee credits the "Statue of Unity" to PM Modi; "it takes two people - one who thinks about the concept and the other who partners the dream," he declares.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"As a young man, I had thought that I will one day make a life-size statue of Hanumanji in which on his chest Ram and Laxman will be carved, with this statute of Sardar Patel, I think I have achieved my dream," says the proud sculptor.</p>

<p>As the nation pays homage to Vallabhbhai, Ram Sutar too has carved his name in history, forever.</p>


The 600-feet 'Statue of Unity' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar.

The 600-feet 'Statue of Unity' overlooking the Sardar Sarovar Dam near Vadodara is today the "world's tallest statue" but it was made by a sculptor who is no more than just over 5 foot, 5 inches, aged 93, a man with tall dreams - Ram Vanji Sutar. The gigantic structure, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as tribute to Sardar Patel on his 143rd birth anniversary, can be gauged by the fact that Patel's feet itself measures a mammoth 80 feet, according to Ram. As a young man back in the summer of 1947, Ram had a dream, in his own words he says a bird chirped in his ears while he was asleep that he should leave everything and follow his dream, sure enough, he left everything and struck out. Ram has made over 350 Gandhi statues the world over and at over 90 is still going strong. Ram calls the unique Vallabhbhai statue as his "masterpiece" and a dream come true. Ram painstakingly looked at every detail of the towering leader right from his walk, the clothes he wore, his expressions to his sitting posture. It was a project which started in 2013 and took three and half years to conceive, build and finally to be erected alongside the picturesque dam in Gujarat. In his career, Ram has seen PMs and President's come and go, some vanish and other's make a mark, he has encapsulated them in his sculptures. His studio in the deepest corner of Noida in Uttar Pradesh showcases his vast array of work from Rajiv, Indira, Rajesh Pilot to a virtual who's who of Indian politics, it can easily be called India's version of Madame Taussads. "This statue describes Sardar Patel as a strong-willed person," he says proudly. He is helped in his endeavour by his architect son Anil Sutar who combines his father's sculpting expertise with an architect's eye and cutting-edge engineering skills to put together statues which now has become a wonder of the world. Anil informs quite candidly that the massive bronze structure has a "China touch" since it has been assembled there because India does not have a bronze foundry, of course, the father-son duo left nothing to chance spending weeks at a time in China to ensure it was conceived the way they envisioned it back home. It was brought to India in pieces, reassembled and was unveiled on October 31. "There were statues of Gandhiji including of Nehru, Indira Gandhi, Maulana Azad and other personalities, then it was thought a statue of Sardar Patel was needed in Parliament," he says giving due credit to Patel's contribution in India's freedom struggle and his contribution towards uniting India's princely states. The Padmashree awardee credits the "Statue of Unity" to PM Modi; "it takes two people - one who thinks about the concept and the other who partners the dream," he declares. "As a young man, I had thought that I will one day make a life-size statue of Hanumanji in which on his chest Ram and Laxman will be carved, with this statute of Sardar Patel, I think I have achieved my dream," says the proud sculptor. As the nation pays homage to Vallabhbhai, Ram Sutar too has carved his name in history, forever.

Meet Ram Sutar, the sculptor who carved Vallabhbhai's 'Statue of Unity'

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of spreading lies over the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel named "Statue of Unity" being built in Gujarat.</p>

<p>&nbsp;"They spread lies on Statue of Unity that it is Made in China. I saw false information in which the Congress President (Rahul Gandhi) equated the Sardar Patel statue with shoes Made in China," Modi was quoted as saying during his interaction with BJP workers through video conferencing via NaMo app.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All these years Congress disrespected Patel, Modi said adding: "How far they will to express their disliking for Sardar Patel?"</p>

<p>Modi`s remarks came two days after Gandhi while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh`s Satna said that the statue being built for him in Gujarat is "Made in China" like the Made in China written on mobile phones, shirts and shoes.</p>

<p>"Modiji had promised to build the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat. But later it was revealed that on the back of the statue it was written Made in China," Gandhi said.</p>

<p>In the last four years, the Congress has only spread lies, it has become arrogant, it has drifted away from the people, it has become insensible and it has failed to perform as an opposition, Modi added.</p>

<p>The Statue of Unity, which is 182 metres from the ground and 240 metres from the river base of Narmada, has been completed. The inauguration of the statue will be done on Vallabhbhai Patel`s 143rd birth anniversary on October 31 by the Prime Minister.</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of spreading lies over the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel named "Statue of Unity" being built in Gujarat.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday accused the Congress of spreading lies over the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel named "Statue of Unity" being built in Gujarat. "They spread lies on Statue of Unity that it is Made in China. I saw false information in which the Congress President (Rahul Gandhi) equated the Sardar Patel statue with shoes Made in China," Modi was quoted as saying during his interaction with BJP workers through video conferencing via NaMo app. All these years Congress disrespected Patel, Modi said adding: "How far they will to express their disliking for Sardar Patel?" Modi`s remarks came two days after Gandhi while addressing a public rally in Madhya Pradesh`s Satna said that the statue being built for him in Gujarat is "Made in China" like the Made in China written on mobile phones, shirts and shoes. "Modiji had promised to build the world`s largest statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat. But later it was revealed that on the back of the statue it was written Made in China," Gandhi said. In the last four years, the Congress has only spread lies, it has become arrogant, it has drifted away from the people, it has become insensible and it has failed to perform as an opposition, Modi added. The Statue of Unity, which is 182 metres from the ground and 240 metres from the river base of Narmada, has been completed. The inauguration of the statue will be done on Vallabhbhai Patel`s 143rd birth anniversary on October 31 by the Prime Minister.

Congress is spreading lies, disrespecting Sardar Patel, says Modi 

<p>The BJP government in Gujarat is aiming to inaugurate the 182-metre tall &#39;Statue of Unity&#39;, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on October 31, the birth anniversary of India&#39;s first home minister.</p>

<p>The towering monument, being erected at Sadhu Bet, 3.32 km from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river at Kevadia, about 100-km from here, will be ready for inauguration on October 31, Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh said.</p>

<p>Singh yesterday visited the project site to take stock of the ongoing work.</p>

<p>&quot;I visited the site to take stock of the project and ensure its timely execution. The &#39;Statue of Unity&#39; will be ready for inauguration on October 31,&quot; he told.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The foundation stone of the monument, a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was laid on October 31, 2013, coinciding with the 138th birth anniversary of Patel, popularly known as the &#39;Iron Man of India&#39;.</p>

<p>Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, laid the foundation stone of the nearly Rs 3,000-crore project, being built on a public?private partnership (PPP) basis by engineering giant L&amp;T under the supervision of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL).</p>

<p>The memorial is dedicated to Patel, credited with integrating 562 princely states with the Union of India.</p>

<p>Post completion, the &#39;Statue of Unity&#39; will be the world&#39;s tallest statue, according to the project&#39;s website.</p>

<p>The &#39;Statue of Unity&#39; will provide visitors a meaningful experience that both educates and entertains, by focusing on Patel&#39;s personage, life, and accomplishments.</p>

<p>Additionally, a viewing gallery at around 500-feet will provide visitors a spectacular view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and its environs, the website said.</p>

<p>The statue is going to be a &quot;matchless&quot; memorial across the world, Singh said.</p>

<p>&quot;This place will emerge as a world-class tourist destination,&quot; said the chief secretary.</p>

<p>The project will also house an audio-visual gallery, a laser light and sound show on the life of Patel and a virtual tour of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, among other things.</p>

<p>The venture also includes setting up a tribal museum, Singh said.&nbsp;</p>


The foundation stone of the monument, a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was laid on October 31, 2013

The BJP government in Gujarat is aiming to inaugurate the 182-metre tall 'Statue of Unity', dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, on October 31, the birth anniversary of India's first home minister. The towering monument, being erected at Sadhu Bet, 3.32 km from the Sardar Sarovar Dam on the Narmada river at Kevadia, about 100-km from here, will be ready for inauguration on October 31, Gujarat Chief Secretary J N Singh said. Singh yesterday visited the project site to take stock of the ongoing work. "I visited the site to take stock of the project and ensure its timely execution. The 'Statue of Unity' will be ready for inauguration on October 31," he told. The foundation stone of the monument, a dream project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was laid on October 31, 2013, coinciding with the 138th birth anniversary of Patel, popularly known as the 'Iron Man of India'. Modi, who was then Gujarat Chief Minister, laid the foundation stone of the nearly Rs 3,000-crore project, being built on a public?private partnership (PPP) basis by engineering giant L&T under the supervision of the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Ltd (SSNNL). The memorial is dedicated to Patel, credited with integrating 562 princely states with the Union of India. Post completion, the 'Statue of Unity' will be the world's tallest statue, according to the project's website. The 'Statue of Unity' will provide visitors a meaningful experience that both educates and entertains, by focusing on Patel's personage, life, and accomplishments. Additionally, a viewing gallery at around 500-feet will provide visitors a spectacular view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam and its environs, the website said. The statue is going to be a "matchless" memorial across the world, Singh said. "This place will emerge as a world-class tourist destination," said the chief secretary. The project will also house an audio-visual gallery, a laser light and sound show on the life of Patel and a virtual tour of the Sardar Sarovar Dam, among other things. The venture also includes setting up a tribal museum, Singh said.

'Statue of Unity' to be inaugurated on Oct 31: Gujarat govt

<p>October 31, 2017, is the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Unlike the past, political parties of all orientations particularly BJP and Congress are into competitive contest to appropriate Sardar Patel. Undoubtedly, it is a welcome sign. As a mark of respect, all the leaders who served immensely in shaping India as a modern united country deserve special tribute.</p>

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<h5>Sardar Patel&rsquo;s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals.</h5>
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<p>It does not mean that political regimes should prefer one leader over another or exaggerate the contributions of one while hiding the others to suit their ideological temperament. It has happened in the past and it is happening now. For many of us, both are wrong. And two wrongs cannot make right.</p>

<p>Sardar Patel&rsquo;s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. His personality was multifaceted. He was known for a strong sense of determination, quick decision-making, straightforwardness in discussions, firmness in action, believe in unity in diversity and deep sense of patriotic pride. Alas! These characteristics are visibly lacking in the present leadership.</p>

<p>In the past, Congress has named many policies, monuments, places, roads, institutions after Sardar Patel. But comparing the people belonging to Nehru dynasty, the name of other stalwarts did not figure much in its governance model of commemoration. It is because of this gap, BJP is able to gain the strategic edge in appropriating them.</p>

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<h5>The much-hyped World&rsquo;s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation.</h5>
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<p>Sardar Patel is now an easy co-opt for the BJP. &nbsp;October 31 is declared as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014. The much-hyped World&rsquo;s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. Interestingly, public sector companies like ONGC, HPCL, IOCL and OIL have decided to contribute over hundreds of crore towards the construction of this statue as a part of their corporate social responsibility. These are extravaganza but often justified because similar things had been done in the past too.</p>

<p>Ministries of the Centre and States are giving special focus to observe &ldquo;Nation Salutes Sardar Vallabbhai Patel&rdquo; on October 31, 2017. Cultural, literary and sports programmes including essay competitions and &lsquo;Unity Run&rsquo; are organised across India. Despite all these, the renewed and unprecedented interest of the BJP in Sardar Patel is more strategic than its love for the ideas and actions of Sardar Patel. It can be seen in overuse of these exercises in the electoral campaigns beginning with 2014. Sardar Patel hardly gained the present prominence in the framework of Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for one and half decade.</p>

<p>One may agree or disagree on the methods and approaches of Sardar Patel, but his commitment to preserving India&rsquo;s unity cannot be doubted. He is rightly credited along with V.P. Menon to save the country from balkanisation by putting up the representatives of more than 500 states on one platform and transforming them into 14 administrative units and later shaping them into uniform administrative, financial and judicial mechanism of India. At many instances, his impersonal and hard actions were the outcome of the then expediency than conscious choice. Despite achieving this herculean task, Sardar Patel had neither tried to adopt the narcissistic politics nor indulged in populist and ideological actions.</p>

<p>Though he has a dominant presence in the organisational wing of Congress from the late 1930s until his death in 1950, he has neither used principally untoward means to achieve personal gains nor side-lined his political opponents within the party. It can be seen in his acceptance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the President of the Congress and later stepping aside to allow Jawaharlal Nehru to become Prime Minister despite being the choice of the majority of the political leaders in the provinces. However, the death of Patel in 1950 was a great loss for the Congress but a gain for the Nehru family as the absence of his unique leadership clearly drifted the party towards dynastic ambitions that finally culminated in the virtual decay of the Congress in today&rsquo;s time.</p>

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<h5>Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year.</h5>
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<p>Sardar Patel&rsquo;s biographer Narhari Parikh has highlighted that Patel was always willing to fight for what he considered right. He always took a procedural route to express his anguish while respecting the party hierarchy. At the same time, he accommodated dissent and a great variety of opinions. For instance, his opposition to socialist politics was paternalistic as can be seen in his offer to Purshottam Trikamdas, a renowned socialist to form the government in the State of Bombay to prove the promises of a clean and efficient government. Similarly, despite being loyal to Congress, Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year.</p>

<p>Ironically, BJP has emerged as the ardent admirer of Sardar Patel but without subscribing to his leadership quality, understanding his idea of patriotism and treatment to secular ethos. The uniqueness of Patel&rsquo;s leadership lies in its judicious character that treated everyone with the same yardstick. Sardar Patel has certainly believed in strong and united India but his patriotism was rarely rooted in extreme nationalism, in general, or Hindu nationalism. He was a secularist to the core but with a difference of Nehru and Gandhi. Nehru&rsquo;s secularism was religious neutral while Patel&rsquo;s notion of secularism was rooted in his religious and cultural socialisation. Similarly, Gandhi&rsquo;s approach towards secularism was to grant dignified concessions to Muslims while Patel wanted to treat everyone as a citizen without creating minority-majority dyad.</p>

<p>There has always been made an attempt to vitiate the communal atmosphere of the country by looking at things through the polarised spectacles. Contrary to the wishes of Patel, communal harmony has become a unrealised goal. Much against the belief of Patel, he is being glorified as the champion of anti-Muslim tirade. Selective reading and un-contextual quotes of his speeches are cited to support the proposition. In fact, after Independence, it was Patel who asked the people of India in plain-speaking terms, &ldquo;to forget the past, because it is a manly virtue to do so... in India, every Muslim should feel that he is an Indian citizen and has equal rights as an Indian citizen&rdquo;.</p>

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<h5>His dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.</h5>
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<p>At the same time, he frankly told Muslims that for &ldquo;a community to think that its interests are different from that of the country in which it lives is a great mistake.&rdquo; He, therefore, advised them that &ldquo;the future of a minority-any minority-is to trust the majority&rdquo;; that they should &ldquo;make friends with others and create a change in the atmosphere.&rdquo; His advice to Muslims is very much in tune with the advices of Dr M.A. Ansari, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and all other patriotic citizens. One can have a detailed understanding of Patel and Muslim relationship while reading the timely book Sardar Patel and Indian Muslims by Rafiq Zakaria published in 1995.</p>

<p>Be that as it may, Sardar Patel&rsquo;s tone and approach may be harsh and at time suspicious, but he never aimed at creating hatred between minorities and majority. Let the country know on his 142nd birth anniversary that Sardar Patel&rsquo;s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities. Like many others, his dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.</p>


Sardar Patel?s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities

October 31, 2017, is the 142nd birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel. Unlike the past, political parties of all orientations particularly BJP and Congress are into competitive contest to appropriate Sardar Patel. Undoubtedly, it is a welcome sign. As a mark of respect, all the leaders who served immensely in shaping India as a modern united country deserve special tribute. Sardar Patel’s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. × It does not mean that political regimes should prefer one leader over another or exaggerate the contributions of one while hiding the others to suit their ideological temperament. It has happened in the past and it is happening now. For many of us, both are wrong. And two wrongs cannot make right. Sardar Patel’s contributions are immense and thus he deserves special remembrance by the State, groups and individuals. His personality was multifaceted. He was known for a strong sense of determination, quick decision-making, straightforwardness in discussions, firmness in action, believe in unity in diversity and deep sense of patriotic pride. Alas! These characteristics are visibly lacking in the present leadership. In the past, Congress has named many policies, monuments, places, roads, institutions after Sardar Patel. But comparing the people belonging to Nehru dynasty, the name of other stalwarts did not figure much in its governance model of commemoration. It is because of this gap, BJP is able to gain the strategic edge in appropriating them. The much-hyped World’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. × Sardar Patel is now an easy co-opt for the BJP. October 31 is declared as the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) in 2014. The much-hyped World’s tallest statue of Sardar Patel referred as Statue of Unity (SOU) with a projected cost of more than two-thousand crores is already in circulation. Interestingly, public sector companies like ONGC, HPCL, IOCL and OIL have decided to contribute over hundreds of crore towards the construction of this statue as a part of their corporate social responsibility. These are extravaganza but often justified because similar things had been done in the past too. Ministries of the Centre and States are giving special focus to observe “Nation Salutes Sardar Vallabbhai Patel” on October 31, 2017. Cultural, literary and sports programmes including essay competitions and ‘Unity Run’ are organised across India. Despite all these, the renewed and unprecedented interest of the BJP in Sardar Patel is more strategic than its love for the ideas and actions of Sardar Patel. It can be seen in overuse of these exercises in the electoral campaigns beginning with 2014. Sardar Patel hardly gained the present prominence in the framework of Narendra Modi when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat for one and half decade. One may agree or disagree on the methods and approaches of Sardar Patel, but his commitment to preserving India’s unity cannot be doubted. He is rightly credited along with V.P. Menon to save the country from balkanisation by putting up the representatives of more than 500 states on one platform and transforming them into 14 administrative units and later shaping them into uniform administrative, financial and judicial mechanism of India. At many instances, his impersonal and hard actions were the outcome of the then expediency than conscious choice. Despite achieving this herculean task, Sardar Patel had neither tried to adopt the narcissistic politics nor indulged in populist and ideological actions. Though he has a dominant presence in the organisational wing of Congress from the late 1930s until his death in 1950, he has neither used principally untoward means to achieve personal gains nor side-lined his political opponents within the party. It can be seen in his acceptance of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad as the President of the Congress and later stepping aside to allow Jawaharlal Nehru to become Prime Minister despite being the choice of the majority of the political leaders in the provinces. However, the death of Patel in 1950 was a great loss for the Congress but a gain for the Nehru family as the absence of his unique leadership clearly drifted the party towards dynastic ambitions that finally culminated in the virtual decay of the Congress in today’s time. Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year. × Sardar Patel’s biographer Narhari Parikh has highlighted that Patel was always willing to fight for what he considered right. He always took a procedural route to express his anguish while respecting the party hierarchy. At the same time, he accommodated dissent and a great variety of opinions. For instance, his opposition to socialist politics was paternalistic as can be seen in his offer to Purshottam Trikamdas, a renowned socialist to form the government in the State of Bombay to prove the promises of a clean and efficient government. Similarly, despite being loyal to Congress, Sardar Patel appreciated the service role of RSS and later critiqued it for its supposed role in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi and banned the organisation for a year. Ironically, BJP has emerged as the ardent admirer of Sardar Patel but without subscribing to his leadership quality, understanding his idea of patriotism and treatment to secular ethos. The uniqueness of Patel’s leadership lies in its judicious character that treated everyone with the same yardstick. Sardar Patel has certainly believed in strong and united India but his patriotism was rarely rooted in extreme nationalism, in general, or Hindu nationalism. He was a secularist to the core but with a difference of Nehru and Gandhi. Nehru’s secularism was religious neutral while Patel’s notion of secularism was rooted in his religious and cultural socialisation. Similarly, Gandhi’s approach towards secularism was to grant dignified concessions to Muslims while Patel wanted to treat everyone as a citizen without creating minority-majority dyad. There has always been made an attempt to vitiate the communal atmosphere of the country by looking at things through the polarised spectacles. Contrary to the wishes of Patel, communal harmony has become a unrealised goal. Much against the belief of Patel, he is being glorified as the champion of anti-Muslim tirade. Selective reading and un-contextual quotes of his speeches are cited to support the proposition. In fact, after Independence, it was Patel who asked the people of India in plain-speaking terms, “to forget the past, because it is a manly virtue to do so... in India, every Muslim should feel that he is an Indian citizen and has equal rights as an Indian citizen”. His dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country. × At the same time, he frankly told Muslims that for “a community to think that its interests are different from that of the country in which it lives is a great mistake.” He, therefore, advised them that “the future of a minority-any minority-is to trust the majority”; that they should “make friends with others and create a change in the atmosphere.” His advice to Muslims is very much in tune with the advices of Dr M.A. Ansari, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and all other patriotic citizens. One can have a detailed understanding of Patel and Muslim relationship while reading the timely book Sardar Patel and Indian Muslims by Rafiq Zakaria published in 1995. Be that as it may, Sardar Patel’s tone and approach may be harsh and at time suspicious, but he never aimed at creating hatred between minorities and majority. Let the country know on his 142nd birth anniversary that Sardar Patel’s sense of unity was not sharpened on the artificial disunity between religious and cultural communities. Like many others, his dream was to lay the foundation of strong and united India without obliterating the socio-cultural diversities of the country.

Sardar Patel never wanted hatred between religious communities

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