Mann-Ki-Baat: PM pays tributes to Sardar Patel, says stage set for dedicating Unity of Statue in Gujarat

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid rich tributes to country’s first Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and said this year the birth anniversary of the legendary leader will be special as the ‘Statue of Unity’ in his honour will be dedicated on October 31.

“Sardar Patel’s Jayanti this year will be more special as on this day, we will pay him true homage by dedicating ‘Statue of Unity’ to the nation. Located by the banks of river Narmada, the height of this statue is twice that of America’s renowned ‘Statue of Liberty’,” Prime Minister said in his Mann-Ki-Baat broadcast through All India Radio.

Mr Modi will dedicate the statue on October 31, Wednesday. Facing the Narmada Dam, the statue is on a river island called Sadhu Bet near Rajpipla in Gujarat.

He said the nation is yet again geared up for ‘Run for Unity’.

Prime Minister urged people to participate in ‘Run for Unity’ in large number.

Mr Modi made mention about the sporting spirit and said the talent displayed by Indian para-athletes in Asian Para Games held in Jakarta is worth mentioning.

“Their spirit to overcome all adversaries is exemplary and inspiring. India created a new record in these games by winning 72 medals,” he said. (UNI)