15 years on, PM Modi shares CM Modi's vision of world's tallest statue

The ‘Statue of Unity’ was inaugurated by PM Modi on October 31, 2018 at Kevadia in Gujarat

On the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi revisited his vision from his days as Gujarat chief minister -- to honour the Iron Man of India by constructing the world’s tallest statue ‘Statue of Unity’ in his memory.

As the nation marked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s birth anniversary, PM Modi shared a thread of posts via the official ‘Modi Archive’ handle -- recalling his vision to honour the Iron Man of India.

“‘Statue of Unity’ is a tribute to Sardar Patel and what is remarkable is that it was built as a result of a mass movement, where people from across India, particularly India’s villages, felt connected with this iconic statue,” the Prime Minister wrote on X.

The Modi Archive on Friday shared an old speech of the then CM Modi from 2010, in which he shared his vision of bringing the nation together. “Sardar Patel's statue will remind those who question India's existence that this nation was, is, and will remain eternal,” then the chief minister of Gujarat, PM Modi, had said.

The journey from vision to reality began with the launch of the Loha Sangraha Abhiyan (iron collection campaign), the post read.

“Sardar Patel was Loh Purush (Iron Man), and I want iron pieces from your villages. But we do not want any piece of iron, we want iron pieces (tools) used by farmers during farming... because after all, Sardar Patel was the son of a farmer,” Modi said in 2013, urging every farmer to participate in this national tribute.

Farmers from several villages contributed more than 135 tons of iron, each piece symbolising generations of hard work and dedication, the post by Modi Archive read.

‘Statue of Unity’ is a tribute to Sardar Patel and what is remarkable is that it was built as a result of a mass movement, where people from across India, particularly India’s villages, felt connected with this iconic statue.

Do visit Kevadia and discover its grandness… https://t.co/MLG4E3TQDv

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— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 31, 2025

The ‘Statue of Unity’ was inaugurated by PM Modi on October 31, 2018 at Kevadia in Gujarat. At 182 meters high, it is the world’s tallest statue and was built with the participation of all the states of India.

Earlier today, PM Modi paid tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his birth anniversary, celebrated as 'Rashtriya Ekta Diwas' or National Unity Day, and recalled his immense contribution towards unifying India.

Taking to X, PM Modi said, "India pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on his 150th Jayanti. He was the driving force behind India's integration, thus shaping our nation's destiny in its formative years."

He continued, "His unwavering commitment to national integrity, good governance and public service continues to inspire generations. We also reaffirm our collective resolve to uphold his vision of a united, strong and self-reliant India”.