History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ on March 8 at 8 p.m.
Presented by actor Akshay Kumar, the 40-minute documentary celebrates the spirit of unity that binds the nation together and pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of united India, who led the integration of 562 fragmented princely states into one nation post-independence.
The documentary also features insights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had envisioned this project.
The documentary follows step-by-step journey of the making of the Statue of Unity. From 2013, when the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi announced his intention to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and laid the foundation stone in Kevadia (Gujarat), to completing the tallest statue in the world at 182 meters, a number that represented total constituencies in Gujarat’s State Legislative Assembly.
Among other lesser-known facts revealed in the documentary, Prime Minister Modi shared a an initiative he undertook to procure iron for the statue, where over 6 lakh villages donated an old iron farming tool each, echoing Sardar Patel's call to farmers during the fight for independence. Soil from all parts of the country was similarly used to bring the statue together, symbolizing unity in its creation.
As the film progresses, the team behind the Statue of Unity takes the audience on an awe-inspiring journey. They delve into its ideation, construction, and the opportunities it created for the locals, as Kevadia transformed into Ekta Nagar.
The documentary features success and upliftment stories of locals who have benefitted from the project, with their town becoming a major tourist destination.
Kumar said, "Being part of 'Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek' has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. It's about honouring the great spirit of unity that resonates within every Indian. Sardar Patel's vision and leadership continue to inspire us, reminding us of the strength that comes from our unity as a nation. I hope this documentary serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the power of coming together for a common purpose."
Aanand L Rai, the director of the documentary, said, "Revolutions are created by people when they come together for a bigger purpose, guided by visionaries who lead and inspire. Sardar Patel was one such visionary who advocated the significance of unity in the process of nation-building. The film reflects on the legacy of the pioneer of united India and showcases inspiring transformation of Gujarat’s humble Kevadia into an international tourist destination.”