An ambitious project already underway on India’s beautiful Narmada River in the Gujarat state will pay tribute to independence leader Sardar Vallabhai Patel.
Called the ‘Iron Man of India’ – or ‘Statue of Unity’ – the massive statue will stand 182 feet high once completed.
Patel is revered as the man who helped unite India during difficult times following independence. He is credited with the amalgamation of 550 states within the Union of India, and provided governance in diverse fields such as empowerment of tribal communities and modern farming.
At an estimated cost of $500 million, the unique memorial will stand on a small island downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Elaborating on details of the project, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi has said: "As the memorial will be the tallest in the world, we will be consulting and inviting experts from across the globe."
Visitors to Gujaret – with a population of more than 50 million and bordered by the Arabian Sea on the west – will be treated to a panoramic view thanks to an elevator that will allow them to literally see the view through the eyes of a national hero.