Monuments of Glory Monuments, often built in the name of glory mostly of political figures, serve limited purpose in present times. Leaders like Idi Amin and Mayawati even raised self-monuments during their lifetimes. In some countries, such as Russia and Bangladesh, public monuments have been razed to the ground. The statue of Luís de Camões in Goa, for instance, is largely forgotten and relegated to archives.
Public monuments are often the first targets of angry mobs, even though the structures themselves are unrelated to the grievances being expressed. While these monuments aim to commemorate historical or political figures, their inscriptions are often unreadable, and few people take the effort to learn about their significance. They tend to gain attention only once a year during celebratory occasions. Moreover, these structures are poorly maintained, plagued by bird droppings and neglect. Many serve as casual meeting spots for people, devoid of the respect or reverence intended for the individuals they represent. Had these monuments provided tangible benefits or fostered a deeper connection to history, they might have garnered more public appreciation. There are countless other ways to honor the memories of such figures. Even metal structures are not immune to vandalism. However, monuments like the Statue of Unity, dedicated to Sardar Patel in Gujarat, represent a different genre—one that commands greater significance and serves as a lasting tribute. Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com Nelson Lopes Chinchinim https://lopesnelsonnat.wordpress.com
