Statue of Equality

February 4, 2022

On February 5, 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Hyderabad to kickstart the 50th anniversary celebrations of “International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)”.

Key Points

He will dedicate a 216-feet tall “statue of equality” to the nation, on this occasion.
‘Statue of equality’ commemorates the 11th century bhakti saint Sri Ramanujacharya. The saint promoted the idea of equality across all the aspects of living, including caste, creed and faith.
Inauguration of the statue is part of ongoing 12-day celebrations of his 1000th birth anniversary.

About Statue of Equality

The statue is made of ‘panchaloha’, which is a combination of five metals namely, gold, silver, copper, zinc and brass. It is one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position worldwide.
It is mounted on a 54-feet high base building named ‘Bhadra Vedi’.
It comprises of:

Floors, which is devoted for a vedic digital library & research centre,
A Theatre
Ancient Indian texts
An educational gallery, detailing several works of Sri Ramanujacharya.

Statue has been conceptualised by Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami, from Sri Ramanujacharya Ashram.

3D presentation mapping

During the programme, a 3D presentation mapping on life journey and teachings of the saint Sri Ramanujacharya will be showcased. On the occasion, PM Modi will also visit the identical recreations of 108 ‘divya desams’ (ornately carved temples), surrounding the statue.

Inauguration of climate change research facility

During the visit, PM will also inaugurate ICRISAT’s climate change research facility on plant protection. He will also inaugurate ICRISAT’s rapid generation advancement facility. Both the facilities will be dedicated to smallholder farmers of Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

Logo of ICRISAT

PM Modi will also unveil a specially designed logo of ICRISAT. Commemorative stamp will also be issued on the occasion.

About ICRISAT

ICRISAT is an international organisation, involved in conducting agricultural research for development in Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. The organisation helps farmers by providing them improved crop varieties and hybrids. It also helps smallholder farmers in drylands to fight against climate change.

Who was Sri Ramanujacharya?

Ramanujacharya was a Hindu theologian, Indian philosopher, social reformer, and an important exponent of the Sri Vaishnavism tradition. His philosophical foundations for devotionalism influenced the Bhakti movement. He worked for upliftment of people with the spirit of every human being equal regardless of caste, creed, gender, race and nationality.

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