Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 8
AFTER the ‘Statue of Liberty’ over the Hudson river in Manhattan, New York, India is set to have its own ‘Statue of Unity’ over the Narmada river in Gujarat and will surpass the former in height.
The tallest statue in the world, will be that of India’s first Home Minister, popularly referred to as ‘Iron man of India,’ Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. To this end, a delegation of seven Gujarat legislators including a Member of Parliament and a host of bureaucrats arrived in Nagaland to seek support for the record breaking exercise. The delegation is led by the Gujarat cabinet minister for social justice and empowerment and sports, youth and cultural activities, Ramanlal Vora.
The height of the unique statue of the ‘Iron Man of India’ is proposed to measure
182 metres, equivalent to a 60 storeyed building, which is twice the height of the famed ‘Statue of Liberty’.The statue will be constructed using old farming tools to be collected from farmers from 7 lakh villages across India.
The “Statue of Unity” project is to be constructed under the aegis of ‘The Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rasthriya Ekta Trust’. The organizers plan to use the statue as a symbol to spread the message of unity to every village in the country.
The details related to campaign were highlighted by the delegation at Niathu Resort, Dimapur on Sunday evening. Other delegates included minister of state for cottage industries and salt industries, Vasanbhai Ahir, and MLA Jayrajsinh Jadeja, chairman of 20 point programme implementation committee, Kaushik Patel.
The‘Statue of Unity’ is an inspiration of the Gujarat chief minister, Narendra Modi who laid the foundation stone on October 31, in commemoration of the birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.‘Run for Unity’ a marathon is also in the offing on December 15, on his death anniversary.
Nagaland is also scheduled to participate in the run to be held in Kohima.
Nagaland minister for PWD (R&B) Azo Nienu, minister for youth resources and sports Merentoshi R. Jamir, parliamentary secretary Tovihoto Ayemi and DAN chairman, Jacob Zhimomi were also present at the programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Azo Nienu has endorsed support of the State government for the ‘Statue of Unity.’ He also reminded the guests that unity in the country could be ushered only through mutual respect for one another. He also warned against politics of discrimination, nepotism and favouritism which will only negate the search for unity. He has asked the visiting delegation to remember the very principles of democracy in the pursuit of unity in the country.
Naga Idol finalist, Livika Swu presented special number at the programme while the NPF general secretary, Basu Damani chaired the function.
The delegation is scheduled to meet the Governor and Chief Minister and visit the Hornbill Festival venue at Kisama on Monday.
