Amit Shah Unveils Sardar Patel Statue in Jodhpur

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah unveiled an 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in the presence of Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries. The statue, made of several metals and weighing 1,100 kilograms, stands on an 8-ft pedestal. During the unveiling ceremony, Shri Amit Shah highlighted Sardar Patel’s immense contributions to India’s unity, his historical significance, and the recognition he has received under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Event Details

• Statue dimensions: 11-ft tall, 1,100 kg weight, made of multiple metals, placed on an 8-ft high pedestal.
• Location: Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
• Attendees: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and other dignitaries.

Significance of Sardar Patel

• Known as the “Iron Man of India,” Sardar Patel unified over 556 princely states post-Independence, ensuring a united Indian map.
• Played a critical role in persuading Jodhpur’s Maharaja to integrate with India and converting the Jodhpur Airbase into a strategic base for national security.
• Patel’s vision countered Winston Churchill’s prediction of India’s disintegration, ensuring a strong, unified nation.

Historical Neglect and Recognition

• Shri Amit Shah criticized historical neglect of Patel’s contributions, attributing it to the dominance of one political family.
• Mentioned the lack of a memorial for decades, despite Patel’s monumental contributions.
• Recognition under PM Modi: Construction of the world’s tallest Statue of Unity and posthumous Bharat Ratna award.

Unfinished Dreams of Sardar Patel

• Shri Shah highlighted several initiatives completed under PM Modi, which aligned with Patel’s vision,
• Abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A.
• Implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Uttarakhand.
• Construction of the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
• Abolition of triple talaq.
• Strengthening India’s defense through surgical and air strikes post-Uri and Pulwama attacks.

Economic and National Achievements

• Shri Shah noted India’s rise to the fifth-largest global economy, surpassing Britain, a feat credited to the strong foundation laid by Sardar Patel.

Inspiration for Future Generations

• The statue symbolizes Sardar Patel’s values, inspiring the youth to learn about his principles of unity, integrity, and leadership.
• PM Modi’s decision to celebrate Patel’s 150th birth anniversary for two years emphasized his enduring legacy.