#StatueOfUnity: PM Modi says no Indian will forget this day
What's the story
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said no Indian will forget this day after he unveiled the world's largest statue of Iron Man Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. At the high-pitch inauguration, PM Modi was joined by BJP President Amit Shah, Karnataka Governor Vajubhai Vala, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and former CM Anandiben Patel. In his address, Modi thanked those who worked relentlessly.
Twitter Post
Watch the unveiling here: Sardar gets a fitting tribute
#WATCH: Inauguration of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's #StatueOfUnity by PM Modi in Gujarat's Kevadiya pic.twitter.com/PKMhielVZo
— ANI (@ANI) October 31, 2018
What happened
PM Modi did virtual 'abhishek' of statue, paid his respects
Leading the ceremony, PM Modi applied a virtual tilak on the statue's forehead with the help of a lever. He also poured soil and Narmada water into a kalash to celebrate the 143rd birth anniversary of the man, who united nation after independence. After the inauguration, PM said, "Events like today are very important in a country's history and such events are difficult to erase".
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Never thought would unveil it as country's PM: Modi
"It is Patel's efforts that have led our country to what it is today. It is my honor that I got a chance to pay the tribute to the great man. I had never thought that I would unveil it as the prime minister of the country," he said.
Patel's praise
Modi says India is what it is due to Patel
Further, PM Modi spoke about Patel's contribution to India and added his efforts made India what it is today. "I was given the first piece of iron that was contributed for this marvel. I am giving it for you all to see at the museum here at the Statue of Unity," he said. Interestingly, the statue will not age for the next 100 years.
What he said
People across the globe will visit this statue, says PM
PM Modi then said this statue is tallest in the world and people across the globe will pay a visit to it. The statue of Patel is double the height of the Statue of Liberty and has trumped China's Spring Temple Buddha too. The height of the statue is 182 meter and was build on a budget of Rs. 3,000 crore.