Modi unveils 216-ft 'Statue of Equality' in Hyderabad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi 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.

IMAGE: Statue of Equality, a 216-foot tall statue of 11th-century saint Ramanujacharya, in Hyderabad. Photograph: ANI

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

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveils the Statue of Equality. Photograph: ANI

Though he was born in the south, Sri Ramanujacharya's influence spread throughout the country, he said.

IMAGE: Modi said the statue is a symbol of the saint's knowledge, detachment, and ideals, which will inspire the youth. Photograph: ANI

Modi, who is on a day's visit to Hyderabad, visited the Ashram of Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy where the statue was installed.

IMAGE: Modi offers prayer to Lord Shiva by participating in the Rudrabhishek Puja ahead of the unveiling of the Statue of Equality, in Hyderabad. Photograph: Courtesy @aruna_dk/Twitter

The statue of equality commemorates Sri Ramanujacharya who promoted the idea of equality in all aspects of living, including faith, caste and creed.

The inauguration of the statue is part of the ongoing 12-day celebrations of his 1,000th birth anniversary.