Jodhpur: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah unveiled an imposing 11-ft tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The unveiling ceremony was attended by Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and several other dignitaries, marking a tribute to the Iron Man of India whose contributions laid the foundation of a united and modern nation.
 

In his address, Amit Shah hailed Sardar Patel as a towering figure whose efforts to unify over 556 princely states shaped the map of India as we see it today. Highlighting Patel’s selfless service and unwavering resolve, Shah noted that the leader worked tirelessly without seeking recognition, driven solely by his vision of a united India.


 

The Home Minister emphasized that Sardar Patel’s contributions, often overshadowed in history, were rightfully honored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the construction of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, in Kevadia, Gujarat. “For decades, a political culture dominated by one family tried to suppress Patel’s legacy,” Shah remarked, “but the truth has its way of emerging, just as the sun shines in its own time.”
 

The newly unveiled 11-ft statue, weighing 1,100 kilograms and mounted on an 8-ft pedestal, represents not only Patel’s legacy but also the values he stood for. Shah recalled Patel’s critical role in convincing the Maharaja of Jodhpur to accede to India and converting the Jodhpur Airbase into a strategic asset for the nation’s security.
 

Referring to Patel’s unfinished dreams, Shah drew parallels with recent milestones achieved under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, including the abrogation of Article 370, the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand, the abolition of triple talaq, and the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. He credited Patel’s vision as the guiding force behind these transformative decisions, asserting that they were realized within a decade of Modi’s governance.
 

Shah also touched upon Patel’s pivotal role in proving wrong the predictions of British leader Winston Churchill, who had doubted India’s unity post-independence. “India, once ruled by Britain, now stands tall as the fifth-largest global economy, thanks to Sardar Patel’s efforts and vision,” he said.
 

The Home Minister expressed pride in Patel’s recognition through the Bharat Ratna and reiterated the government’s commitment to preserving his legacy. Shah concluded by stating that the new statue would serve as a lasting reminder of Patel’s principles, inspiring future generations to emulate his ideals and dedication to the nation.
 

The ceremony not only celebrated Patel’s indelible contributions but also reinforced the government’s resolve to uphold his legacy in creating a united, strong, and progressive India. /BI/