Narmada (Gujarat), May 7 (PTI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday visited the iconic 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat's Narmada district, and called it a symbol of 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat'.
Majhi was on a three-day business trip to Gujarat.
"The Statue of Unity, the tallest statue in the world, built under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has become a symbol of pride for the entire country," Majhi said, adding that it is a living embodiment of the call for 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' (One India, Supreme India).
He said that in order to realise Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's dream of a united and unified India, this magnificent monument has been constructed by collecting iron from villages across the country, which is a unique symbol of national unity, an official release said.
"It is a feeling of pride and joy for me to get the opportunity to visit this holy place after becoming the chief minister," he said.
Sardar Patel had built a united India by uniting the 565 princely states of the country, Majhi said, adding that PM Modi was also striving to build a developed India.
He said that drawing inspiration from Gujarat's "comprehensive development model", he was making a resolve to establish new dimensions of development in his state as well.
Majhi paid floral tributes to Sardar Patel's statue and said he felt "proud and blessed" to visit the monument dedicated to the architect of India's unity, the release said.
He toured the large photo exhibition gallery in the Statue of Unity premises which displays the life stories of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the construction work of the statue and the historical struggles he made for the unification of India.
Majhi also visited Miyawaki Van, Vaman Vriksha Vatika, laser show, and experienced Narmada aarti, it added.