SURAT: Chief minister Anandiben Patel unveiled a 30-feet tall replica of Statue of Unity at Baben village in Surat's Bardoli taluka on Saturday. The statue has been placed in the middle of a pond having an island with a few trees.

The CM is on a three-day tour of the region following the Gujarat Foundation Day celebrations at Vyara in Tapi district on Friday.

Addressing the gathering, Anandiben said that as a memorial to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the statue will not only remind every individual of the nation's freedom struggle but also inspire the people to inculcate Sardar's visionary ideology of unity, patriotism, inclusive growth and good governance.

She said, "A tourism circuit on the life and memories of Sardar Patel has been planned and will include relevant places. Baben was an important village for Sardar Patel. The circuit will bring the tourists closer to the life and teachings of Sardar."

Bhavesh Patel, sarpanch of Baben village said that the villagers are committed for the upkeep of the giant statue of Sardar Patel in the village. He added, "Sardar Patel addressed many public meetings in Baben. It is a village having considerable population of NRGs. The village has received the 'best village' award from Gujarat government in 2011."

