Gautam Patel, the only living grandson of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel has kept his distance from the unveiling of his grandfather. Amidst the pomp and show promise for the unveiling ceremony, Gautam along with his wife Nandini have preferred to stay from the light. Sources have said that Gautam’s family have always kept themselves away from the public limelight.
In the last two weeks, the Chief Minister’s Office has made several attempts to seek acceptance of their invitation.
Sardar Patel’s family comprised of wife Zaverrba, daughter Maniben and son Dahyabhai. The daughter remained unmarried till her death in 1993, Dahyabhai had two sons, Bipin and Gautam.
Bipin died in the year 2004 and he was survived by no blood relative members besides Gautam.
Earlier, Gautam and Nandini have paid visits to the statue, gifting books that they had in possession. In 2016, they paid their latest visit to the statue.
The Statue of Unity is built on Sandhu Island. It would become the tallest statue in the world. The foundation of this statue was set up in the year 2013. The total height of the statue from its base is said to be 240 meters. Its height is supposedly three times the length of ‘Christ the Redeemer’ in Rio Dio Janerio, twice the size of ‘Statue of Liberty’ in New York and 77 feet taller than China’s Spring Temple Buddha statue (currently the tallest in the world).
The statue is blessed with two high-speed passenger elevators at its star shaped-core to take visitors to the viewing gallery located at chest level. On the day of the 143rd birth anniversary of the 1st Deputy Prime Minister of India, the Prime Minister along with various dignitaries will put soil and pour Narmada water into a Kalash.
