The towering statue of Dr. BR Ambedkar, India’s tallest monument, stands majestically at 175 feet, in Hussainsagar, Telangana. This grand statue, built to commemorate the 132nd birth anniversary of the Dalit icon, was unveiled by Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao, amidst a grand ceremony, which included showering flower petals from a helicopter.
The monument is located next to the newly-built state secretariat, named after Ambedkar, and opposite the Buddha statue, beside the Telangana Martyrs Memorial. This grand structure is a tribute to the great architect of the Indian Constitution and his legacy.
Designed by a Celebrated Sculptor
The iconic statue of Ambedkar was designed by renowned sculptors, Ram Vanji Sutar and his son Anil Ram Sutar of Ram Sutar Art Creations in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. They are the creators of several monumental sculptures, including the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity (597 feet) of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat.
The Stunning Features of the Monument
The statue’s overall weight is 474 tonnes, with 360 tonnes of stainless steel used for the armature structure and 114 tonnes of bronze for casting the statue. The statue’s circular base resembles the edifice of the Parliament of India, adding to its grandeur.
The Pedestal and Its Facilities
The pedestal, which supports the statue, has three floors with a built-up area of 26,258 sq ft. It features a museum showcasing Ambedkar’s life and a 100-seater auditorium for audio-visual presentations. The premises, spread over 11 acres, includes beautiful greenery and a parking facility for 450 cars. Visitors can access the statue’s feet using two lifts.
A Long and Illustrious Career
Ram Vanji Sutar, the sculptor behind the Ambedkar statue, is one of India’s most renowned and celebrated sculptors. Sutar began his career restoring antique carvings of the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra in the 1950s. He has since created many iconic statues, including the Mahatma Gandhi statue inside the Parliament building, the Triumph of Labour statue in Chennai, and the 21-ft statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh in Amritsar.
Conclusion
The Ambedkar statue is a magnificent tribute to the legacy of one of India’s most iconic leaders, designed by a celebrated sculptor and built with extraordinary attention to detail. Its beautiful setting, in the heart of Hussainsagar, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to reflect on India’s rich history and cultural heritage.
