Modi to unveil Basaveshwara's statue in UK

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will unveil a statue of 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara at Albert Embankment in London on November 14.

Modi, who will commence his three-day tour to the United Kingdom on November 12, will also visit a bungalow where Dalit icon and architect of the Constitution Dr B R Ambedkar lived during his stay in London as a student in the 1920s.

Modi will also address a conclave of Indians living in the UK at the Wembley Stadium in London on November 13. “On November 14, I will unveil a statue of Basaveshwara, a great scholar, philosopher and statesman who contributed greatly to our culture and tradition,” the prime minister posted on Facebook on Friday.

The British government in 2013 granted permission to install the statue of Basaveshwara. He also noted that London had a very strong link with India’s freedom struggle and many of the country’s leaders had lived, worked or studied in the capital of UK. “One such great leader was Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. It is a matter of immense joy and pride that I will visit the place where Dr Ambedkar lived during his stay in London,” Modi wrote on Facebook.

Modi will meet his UK counterpart David Cameron to discuss various issues of interests. “I see immense scope for our economic and trade relations to improve and this will benefit both our economies,” Modi added.