Respected readers and elders, warm greetings on this special occasion of Sardar Jayanti.
As India proudly celebrates the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the great architect of national unity, it’s worth remembering how his legacy continues to inspire millions. Once sidelined by political bias, Sardar Patel has now been restored to his rightful place of honour, thanks to the efforts of Swami Shri Sachchidanandji, whom I often call a “revolutionary saint.”
It was Swamiji who reawakened Gujarat’s pride in Sardar Patel nearly fifty years ago through his books, speeches, and writings. The seed he planted has today grown into the 182-metre Statue of Unity, standing tall beside the Sardar Sarovar Dam. Just as Swamiji recognised Sardar’s greatness early on, he also saw Narendra Modi’s leadership qualities long before he became Chief Minister. Few would disagree with that. Narendra Modi, in turn, has always had deep respect and affection for Swami Sachchidanandji, a bond that still continues today, and one I have personally witnessed.
Let me share an interesting and little-known fact. When Chief Minister Narendra Modi took up the project to renovate the Gujarat Legislative Assembly building, he sought advice from experts and respected figures from different fields about its design and important features. Among them was Swami Sachchidanandji. If I remember correctly, the dome that tops the new Assembly building was inspired by Swamiji’s vision.
Now, coming back to the main story, Swami Sachchidanandji was deeply disturbed by how Sardar Patel’s great contributions and sacrifices were being ignored. Determined to change that, he called a meeting at his Koba Ashram, bringing together several prominent personalities from across Gujarat. With strong facts and heartfelt emotion, he said Sardar Patel’s legacy must be honoured properly. By the end of that meeting, everyone agreed to build a grand statue of Sardar Patel. They even pledged ₹150 crore for the project and donors were identified.
Dear readers, I share this because I was personally a witness to these events. The magnificent Statue of Unity that stands today has its roots in those early visionary discussions and the determination of Swami Sachchidanandji and his supporters.
Everything was planned except one question, where should the statue be built? A monument of such importance needed a prominent location. Swami Sachchidanandji therefore sent a message to the Chief Minister’s Office, requesting an appointment with Narendra Modi to discuss the site. He mentioned that ₹150 crore had already been arranged with confirmed donors.
When Swamiji approached the Chief Minister’s Office, Narendra Modi immediately understood the vision’s significance. Rather than asking Swamiji or his representatives to come to Gandhinagar, he sent senior officials to meet Swamiji personally. Soon after, the project took shape, not just as a statue but as a monumental tribute to India’s Iron Man. With a budget of ₹4,000 crore, and the efforts of officials like Shri D. Rajagopalan, the Statue of Unity became reality.
I clearly remember those days when many critics, including the Congress and its allies, raised endless doubts, about earthquakes, soil strength, even the dam’s safety. For every question answered, another arose. Yet, despite all the scepticism, vision and determination ultimately prevailed.
My emotional bond with this land
I have had the privilege of visiting the Sardar Sarovar Dam area many times over the years, and I must say, I feel a deep personal connection with this land. I have spent years in Karnali and Chanod. Once, this entire region was considered underdeveloped, but today, it’s alive with the footprints of lakhs of visitors.
The area now boasts a range of hotels, including five-star ones and the steady rise in tourism has brought remarkable economic growth. With six-lane roads, buses, trains and taxis offering great connectivity, thousands of people now earn their livelihood directly or indirectly from tourism.
The Statue of Unity which was inaugurated on 31 October 2018, stands as a living symbol of national unity and pride. It has turned the once-backward Narmada region into a thriving hub of tourism and development. With more than two crore visitors since opening. It’s now one of India’s most-visited landmarks, bringing growth to nearby Vadodara, Bharuch, and Surat.
Sardar Patel’s message remains timeless: India must rise above caste, class and divisions. His ideals live on in the project’s theme - One India, Great India. Prime Minister Modi, while dedicating the statue in 2018, rightly said, “A golden chapter in history has been illuminated by giving due honour to Sardar Patel, a symbol that will inspire future generations with unity and integrity.”
Today, when India speaks, the world listens, because our economic strength and national confidence continue to grow on the very foundation Sardar laid.
