Lakshadweep is set to get its first Mahatma Gandhi statue on the 152nd birth anniversary of the great Indian philosopher and freedom fighter.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will unveil the union territory’s first public statue today evening to culminate a three-day festival as part of the Gandhi Jayanti celebrations.

About the statue:

The Mahatma Gandhi statue will be installed in a standing position, facing the sea at the Kavarrati island, Lakshadweep. The statue will be six-foot-tall, made in bronze.

With this, the country’s smallest Union Territory in the Arabian sea is going to get its first-ever statue to commemorate the contribution of India’s great freedom fighters who sacrificed their lives for the cause of India’s independence.

A historic milestone for Lakshadweep:

The Lakshadweep administration in a statement said, “It is a historic milestone for Lakshadweep to unveil the statue of the Father of the Nation on the day of Gandhi Jayanti and dedicate it to the nation on this auspicious occasion.”

The contract for the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was awarded to Andhra Pradesh-based Sri Sai Baba Mega Silpasala in September.

The Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will shortly arrive at Lakshadweep from Kochi to unveil the statue at a function that will be presided over by the Island’s administrator Praful K Patel, this evening.