SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL STATUE, STADIUM AND MORE
SARDAR VALLABHBHAI PATEL STATUE, STADIUM AND MORE
India's struggle for independence had the contribution of many leaders and one of the most prominent name from those days is Sardar Vallabbhai Patel who was a lawyer and influential political leader in the Indian independence movement.
His role continues to be significant post the independence as well as he was important in the integration of over 500 princely states into the Indian Union.
He was deeply influenced by fellow lawyer and freedom fighter Gandhi's ideology and principles, having worked very closely with the leader.
Also, it is believed that despite being the choice of the people, on the request of Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel stepped down from the candidacy of Congress President. This ultimately turned out to be the election to choose the first Prime Minister of independent India who was Jawaharlal Nehru.
Gandhi's closeness with Patel can also be seen by the fact the Mahatma Gandhi was the one who gave the name Sardar (Leader in Hindi) to Vallabhbhai Patel for his great organizational skill in The Bardoli Satyagraha.
The first Home Minister of Independent India and "Iron man Of India" a title Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel earned because of his uncompromising efforts towards consolidation of the country, received honours after his death as well. One of the most prominent ones of those is Statue of Unity or Vallabhbhai Patel statue.
Being in the headlines for many reasons especially its height and cost, the Statue of Unity is a statue of Vallabhbhai Patel in tribute to this leader's contribution to India. Unveiled on 31st October 2018, this statue is a patriotic symbol of the legacy of a man who spent his life in the struggle for freedom.
The Statue of Unity is at Sadhu Bet Island. A 12 km square lake will create an atmosphere of equality and diversity. A special trust called "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rashtriya Ekta Trust" has been created to manage the place.
The statue is made with a steel frame and reinforced concrete. For durability, the statue has been given bronze plating. The statue has a 153 m high viewing deck able to hold 200 visitors. It has a panoramic view of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.
Located at his birthplace in Gujarat, as mark respect, the statue is designed by Ram V. Sutar.
The total amount for the project is the US $430 million. The statue stands 182 metres high, making it the one of the tallest monument in the world, second to the St. Louis Arch.
Designed to withstand winds of the velocity of 60 metres/second, and also claimed to be earthquake resistant, there are a total of 22,500 tons of cement forms the core structure of this monument.
The iron used in the construction was collected from old farm equipment throughout India. A team of 700 Indian workers worked on the smelting and casting.
Officially known as Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Stadium, the Motera Stadium is a cricket stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India which as of 2020, is the largest cricket stadium in the world and the second-largest stadium overall, with a seating capacity of 110,000 spectators
Owned by the Gujarat Cricket Association and is a venue for Test, ODI, and T20I cricket matches. The stadium was constructed in 1983 and was first renovated in 2006. While it became the regular venue for international matches in the city.
In 2015, the stadium was closed and demolished before being completely rebuilt by February 2020. The cost of Sardar Vallabhbhai Stadium with an estimated cost of 800 crores (US$110 million) and an increase in capacity to 110,000.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport or SVPIA is an international airport again situated in the birthplace of Patel, the cities of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar in Gujarat, India. The airport is located in Hansol, 9 km (5.6 mi) north of central Ahmedabad.
Sardar played various roles from his early life till his death living for others. One of his famous quotes represent his values, "Work is worship but laughter is life.
Anyone who takes life too seriously must prepare himself for a miserable existence. Anyone who greets joys and sorrows with equal facility can get the best of life."
One of the most influential leaders in Gujarat, Patel was born on October 31, 1875, in Nadiad and raised in the countryside of the state of Gujarat. On 31st October, every year, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Jayanti is celebrated.
On 15 December 1950, within two months of Gandhi's death, Patel suffered a major heart attack; the timely action of his daughter, his secretary, and a nurse saved Patel's life.
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