Narendra Modi Ji inaugurates 216-foot-tall statue of Vaishnavite saint Sri Ramanujacharya at Muchintal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji

on Saturday inaugurated a 216-foot tall ‘Statue of Equality’, commemorating Sri Ramanujacharya who promoted the idea of equality in all aspects of living, and drove home the 11th century Bhakti saint’s message of equality of all.

At the base of the statue were ornately built replicas of Vaishnavite temples. The statue is made of ‘panchaloha’, a combination of five metals: gold, silver, copper, brass and zinc and is among one of the tallest metallic statues in sitting position.

Hailing Ramanujacharya’s message of equality of all humans, Modi Ji said the saint had been an inspiration to the country’s unity and integrity.

Though he was born in the South, Sri Ramanujacharya’s influence spread throughout the country, he said. Modi Ji also visited the ashram of Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy where the statue was installed. —

Mr. Narendra Modi Ji said

India had a strong traditional base which drew strength from the preaching of great men like Sri Ramanujacharya. There was, however, no conflict between tradition and development. Even B. R. Ambedkar subscribed to the teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya.

Mr. Narendra Modi Ji said

there was no social sanction for evils like discrimination between people in this age. World over, the social order was “live and let live” with honour and dignity, he said.

Mr. Narendra Modi Ji praised the great tradition of Telugu culture, which had been enhanced in recent times by the film industry here. The recognition of the Ramappa temple in the erstwhile Warangal district as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and of Pochampalli as a world tourism village by the World Tourism Organization, was an extension of the rich cultural heritage left behind by the Satavahana and Kakatiya dynasties, the PM said.

Mr. Narendra Modi Ji pressed the button at the fall of darkness to illuminate the statue and mark its unveiling. The Jeer Swamy then explained how Mr. Modi Ji had enhanced the reputation of the country in the comity of nations by agreeing to unveil the statue, adding that there could not have been a more qualified person than Mr. Modi to complete the formalities.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan and Tridandi Chinna Jeer Swamy, who explained the significance of the arrangements on the way.

Union Minister of State for Tourism G. Kishan Reddy said the statue made the ashram here a spiritual centre.

Mr. Modi’s 50-minute speech was marked by glowing tributes to Sri Ramanujacharya and Alwar saints who had established Vaishnavite temples across the country. The people of India owed their value system to the preaching of equality by the great saints, he said.

Also Read: Narendra Modi Biography – Childhood, Family, Education, Political Life, Net Worth