SATURDAY, MAY 04, 2024
Team Herald
In a monumental historical moment, Andhra Pradesh witnessed the transformation of Swaraj Maidan into Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Swaraj Maidan, accompanied by the unveiling of the Statue of Social Justice on 19th January. This towering tribute, standing at an impressive 206 feet, marks the world's tallest Ambedkar statue and the tallest non-religious statue in India.
Commencing on January 20, the public now has access to this iconic precinct, strategically located to welcome individuals from all walks of life. Crafted by M/s Design Associates, Noida, the project is not merely about the colossal statue but encompasses a holistic experience. It includes a DR BR Ambedkar experience center, a convention center seating 2,000, a food court, a children's play area, water bodies, a musical fountain, and expansive green walkways for leisurely strolls.
The unveiling comes as a significant achievement, with the state government initiating the project in 2020 with a budget estimate of ₹268 crores. Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy laid the foundation stone in June 2020, and the statue, constructed from 352 metric tons of steel and 112 metric tons of brass, draws inspiration from national models such as Ambedkar Deeksha Bhoomi (Nagpur) and Chaitya Bhoomi (Mumbai).
The DR BR Ambedkar experience center within the Kalachakra Maha Mandap building provides visitors with an immersive journey into the life of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar through dynamic contextual walls, multi-layered graphics, dioramas, and set designs with projection mapping.
This unveiling stands in stark contrast to previous plans led by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who envisioned a 125 feet Ambedkar statue in Amaravati. Despite laying the foundation stone in April 2016, the project faced delays and did not materialize during the TDP government's tenure.
The Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Swaraj Maidan now stands as a symbol of remembrance, justice, and cultural celebration, shaping the narrative of the state's commitment to honoring its cultural and historical legacy.
