Rashtriya Ekta Diwas: Exploring the Statue of Unity its significance, attractions, and visitor guide
Discover the story behind the world’s tallest statue, how it was built, what’s inside, and how to plan your visit to this iconic tribute to the Iron Man of India.
New Delhi, Oct 31 : Every year on October 31, India celebrates Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India who played a pivotal role in uniting the country after independence. And towering above all tributes stands the Statue of Unity, a monument that quite literally rises as a symbol of strength, vision, and unity.
How the vision began
The idea for the Statue of Unity was first announced in 2010 by the then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, who envisioned a grand monument to commemorate Patel’s leadership and role in national integration. To bring this dream to life, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust (SVPRET) was established.
A team of historians, designers, and experts studied numerous existing statues of Patel across India to understand his personality and physical features. The final design was crafted by renowned sculptor Ram V. Sutar, and advanced 3D scanning technology was used to shape the massive structure that stands today.
The monument at a glance
Standing at a staggering 182 metres (597 feet), the Statue of Unity is nearly twice the height of the Statue of Liberty and taller than China’s Spring Temple Buddha, making it the tallest statue in the world.
Located on Sadhu Bet Island near the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat’s Narmada district, the statue overlooks an artificial lake that stretches over 12 kilometres. The site has become a vibrant tourist hub, complete with gardens, museums, food courts, and scenic viewpoints.
Distance from major cities:
Ahmedabad – 198 km
Vadodara – 88 km
Kevadia (nearest railway station) – 7 km
What’s inside the Statue of Unity
The statue is designed with five levels (zones), of which three are open to visitors:
Zone 1:
Encompasses the statue’s base, featuring a museum, exhibition gallery, and memorial garden that highlight Patel’s life and India’s freedom struggle. Visitors can also watch a short film depicting Gujarat’s tribal culture and Patel’s leadership.
Zone 2:
Covers the structural section up to Patel’s thighs, through which visitors ascend while moving toward the viewing level.
Zone 3:
Houses the Viewpoint Gallery, located at a height of 153 metres (502 feet). Two high-speed elevators inside the statue’s legs carry visitors to this gallery in about 30 seconds, offering panoramic views of the Narmada River, Sardar Sarovar Dam, and the surrounding Satpura and Vindhya ranges.
Symbol of unity and inspiration
Since its inauguration in 2018, the Statue of Unity has emerged as one of India’s top tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors from across the world. Beyond its engineering marvel, it stands as a timeless reminder of Patel’s unwavering integrity and the power of unity.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast, traveller, or student, a visit to the Statue of Unity offers an inspiring glimpse into India’s journey of nation building and the man who made it possible.
