Dharamshala, 8th February: The Statue of Equality, dedicated to the 11th-century Hindu saint Sri Ramanujacharya, was unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday in Hyderabad. PM Modi said the 216-foot tall statue is a “fitting tribute” to Sri Ramanujacharya, whose profound thoughts and teachings inspire us, just hours before the inauguration.

The following is everything you need to know about the Equality Statue:

– Gold, silver, copper, brass, and zinc make up the statue’s “panchaloha” (five metals). It is one of the world’s highest metallic statues in a sitting position, standing at 216 feet.

– The Equality Statue is a 54-foot tall structure known as “Bhadra Vedi.” The structure holds a digital library and research center, ancient texts, a theatre, and an educational gallery dedicated to Sri Ramanujacharya’s works and philosophy.

– The Vaishnavite saint was a strong supporter of social equality. Many believe his biggest contribution to be the propagation of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World Is One Family). Many scholars are supposed to have followed in his footsteps, and he is said to have influenced the writings of ancient poets such as Bhakt Ramdas, Kabir, and Meerabai.

– The statue’s unveiling is part of a 12-day commemoration of Sri Ramanujacharya’s 1,000th birth anniversary.

– On the outskirts of Hyderabad, the Statue Of Equality is housed on a 45-acre complex. In 2014, the foundation stone was set. The project, which cost Rs 1,000 crore, was totally supported by donations from devotees throughout the world.

– The statue was designed by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami of Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram.

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