“Statues of Great Personalities Are Enduring Sources of National Consciousness, Cultural Identity and Inspiration for Future Generations”
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh has said that statues of great personalities serve as enduring symbols of national consciousness, cultural identity, and inspiration for future generations. Highlighting the state government’s efforts to preserve and promote India’s rich cultural heritage, the minister stated that Uttar Pradesh has installed nearly 43 statues of national heroes, saints, social reformers, and iconic historical figures across various districts during the last five years.
Addressing the media, Jaiveer Singh said that a nation’s identity is deeply rooted in its history, culture, and the lives of the great personalities who shaped its destiny. He noted that statues are not merely works of art but living symbols of collective memory that remind society of the values, sacrifices, and ideals established by exceptional individuals.
According to the minister, the state government is committed to ensuring that the memories and contributions of such personalities remain alive for future generations. In addition to the 43 statues already installed, 14 more statues have been completed and are ready for installation, while another 17 projects have received administrative approval and are currently under construction.
Honouring Warriors and National Heroes
Jaiveer Singh said that equestrian bronze statues of legendary warrior king Maharana Pratap, standing approximately 12.5 feet tall, have already been installed at several locations, including Etah, Ballia, Firozabad, and Sirsaganj. Similar statues are ready for installation in Varanasi and Moradabad, while construction is underway in Devalas (Mau) and Barabanki.
The minister added that similar large-scale equestrian bronze statues of Prithviraj Chauhan, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and Rani Lakshmibai are also being installed in various districts of the state as part of an extensive cultural heritage initiative.
Rashtriya Prerna Sthal Emerges as a Major Landmark
Among the most prominent projects highlighted by the minister is the Rashtriya Prerna Sthal in Lucknow, where towering 65-foot statues of Syama Prasad Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhyaya, and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee have been installed.
He said these monumental statues symbolize nationalism, good governance, public service, and dedication to nation-building. Additional statues of Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee in Prayagraj and Atal Bihari Vajpayee in Mainpuri have also been established.
New Memorial Projects Across the State
The minister revealed that a 12.5-foot statue of Guru Gorakhnath is ready for installation at Gorakhpur Airport. Statues of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel are planned for Pratapgarh and Mirzapur.
Several other commemorative projects have either been completed or are progressing in different districts. These include statues of freedom fighter Mangal Pandey in Meerut; saint-poet Kabir and his five principal disciples in Varanasi; B. R. Ambedkar and philanthropist Bhamashah in Mainpuri; and sage Valmiki in Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mainpuri.
The government has also undertaken the installation of six-foot statues of former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Kalyan Singh in Etah, Mainpuri, Aligarh, Auraiya, and Sitapur. Statues of freedom fighter Avanti Bai Lodhi have already been installed in Banda, while construction is underway in Raebareli and Agra.
Celebrating Cultural Heritage and Social Harmony
One of the state’s most distinctive projects is located at Shringverpur Dham in Prayagraj, where a grand 51-foot sculpture depicting the historic meeting between Rama and Nishadraj has been established. According to the minister, the monument symbolizes social harmony, equality, friendship, and mutual respect—values deeply embedded in Indian civilization.
At the Chittora Memorial Complex in Bahraich, a 40-foot equestrian statue of Maharaja Suheldev has been installed. Other completed projects include a statue of saint Guru Ravidas in Varanasi and a grand 12.5-foot statue of Tulsidas in Chitrakoot, depicting the poet-saint composing the Ramcharitmanas.
Meanwhile, work is underway to install a statue of Maharaja Suraj Mal at Fatehpur Sikri in Agra district.
Cultural Renaissance Underway in Uttar Pradesh
Jaiveer Singh emphasized that the government’s objective extends beyond the installation of statues. The broader goal, he said, is to preserve and promote the ideals, values, and teachings of great personalities and integrate them into public consciousness.
He stated that under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a significant centre of cultural renaissance. The state government continues to invest in projects that honour national heroes, saints, social reformers, and historical figures while strengthening public awareness of India’s cultural and civilizational heritage.
According to the minister, these initiatives are designed to connect society—particularly the younger generation—with the ideals of patriotism, sacrifice, courage, social harmony, and public service. By preserving the memories and legacies of iconic personalities through memorials and public monuments, the government aims to inspire citizens and reinforce a sense of pride in India’s rich historical and cultural traditions.
He reaffirmed that the campaign to preserve the memories of great personalities and spread awareness of their contributions will continue with full commitment in the years ahead, ensuring that future generations remain connected to the values that shaped the nation.
