New Delhi, Oct 31 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Friday that the Statue of Unity serves not merely as a grand homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel but also symbolizes the strength of the collective national spirit. He emphasized that the statue's significance lies in its creation as a result of a mass movement that united people from every part of India.

On social media platform X, PM Modi remarked, "The Statue of Unity is a tribute to Sardar Patel, and what is extraordinary is that it emerged from a mass movement, in which individuals from across India, especially the villages, felt a connection to this iconic statue. I encourage everyone to visit Kevadia and witness its grandeur firsthand."

The Prime Minister also shared a post from 'Modi Archive,' which reflected on how the concept of the Statue of Unity was first introduced in October 2010, during Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat.

"In October 2010, @narendramodi, while serving as Gujarat's Chief Minister, envisioned a project that sought to unite the nation. His goal was to honor Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, famously known as the Iron Man of India, by erecting the world's tallest statue," the post stated.

"This initiative was not just about the monument's size but aimed at celebrating India’s unity, the resilience of its people, and the legacy of a leader pivotal in uniting the nation during tumultuous times."

The Modi Archive further quoted him saying, "CM Modi expressed, 'The statue of Sardar Patel will serve as a reminder to those who challenge India's existence that this nation was, is, and will forever remain eternal. For him, the Statue of Unity represented more than just a monument; it was a living symbol of India’s unity and a vision that sparked a national movement.'"

Earlier in the day, while addressing a large crowd at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, commemorating Sardar Patel’s 150th birth anniversary, the Prime Minister called on citizens to commit themselves to the nation’s advancement and the aspiration of a Viksit Bharat.

PM Modi highlighted the government's achievements in addressing internal security issues, stating that since 2014, decisive actions have been taken against Naxalism and Maoist terrorism.

"Before 2014, nearly one hundred districts were plagued by Maoist violence. Currently, that figure has dwindled to 11, with only three districts still significantly affected," he mentioned.

He also commended the nationwide unity pledge taken by millions of citizens, which he described as a reaffirmation of the nation's collective commitment.

"Every Indian should dismiss any notion or action that undermines our national integrity," he stated.

"After Independence, Sardar Patel unified over 550 princely states—transforming the impossible into reality—embodying the genuine spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat," he concluded.