Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened the 216-foot-tall ‘Statue of Equality’ in Hyderabad in memory of the 11th-century Hindu saint Ramanujacharya. On inaugurating the statue, he said, “This statue of Ramanujacharya ji is a symbol of his knowledge, detachment, and ideals”. The Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying that the Statue of Equality honors Ramanujacharya, who advocated for equality in all aspects of life, including faith, caste, and creed.
The Prime Minister said, “Today Ramanujacharya ji is giving us the message of equality in the form of a huge Statue of Equality”. The Statue of Equality is made of a composition of five metals known as panchaloha that contains gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc. Additionally, it is one of the tallest metallic statues in the world in the sitting posture.
It is supported by a 54-foot-tall base building, called ‘Bhadra Vedi,’ which houses a Vedic digital library and research center, ancient Indian texts, a theatre, and an educational gallery showcasing numerous works by Sri Ramanujacharya. Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram designed the Statue of Equality, which is one of the tallest in the world. The Prime Minister also visited recreations of the 108 Divya Desams which are the temples carved surrounding the Statue of Equality.
Additionally, a 3D projection performance about Ramanujacharya’s life and teachings will also be presented. According to an official statement, the opening of the Statue of Equality is part of the 12-day Sri Ramanuja Sahasrabdi Samaroham, which is Sri Ramanujacharya’s ongoing 1000th birth anniversary celebrations. During his previous visit to Hyderabad, the Prime Minister inaugurated the International Crops Research Institute (ICRISAT) for the Semi-Arid Tropics’ 50th anniversary celebrations.
