PM Modi with Ram Sutar (Image/X@narendramodi)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep grief over the passing of legendary sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, offering condolences and remembering him as an artist whose creations gave enduring form to India’s history, culture and national pride. Sutar, best known as the designer of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, passed away at his Noida residence late on Wednesday night. He was 100 and had been suffering from age-related ailments.The Prime Minister also shared photographs with Sutar, recalling his monumental contribution to Indian art and public memory.In a post on X, PM Modi wrote: “The passing of Shri Ram Sutar Ji has left me deeply saddened. Through his unique sculptures, India has been gifted with several prestigious landmarks, among which the Statue of Unity at Kevadia stands out as a particularly remarkable symbolic creation. His artworks vividly showcase India’s history, culture, and collective consciousness. By giving eternal form to national pride, he has created an invaluable legacy for future generations. His creations will continue to inspire artists and citizens forever. I express my condolences to his family, admirers, and all those affected by his great life’s work. Om Shanti.” Sutar’s son Anil Sutar confirmed his death in a note shared with the press, stating that the renowned sculptor passed away peacefully at home around midnight on December 17. Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district in present-day Maharashtra, Ram Vanji Sutar showed an early inclination towards sculpting despite coming from a humble background. A gold medallist from the Sir JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai, Sutar went on to build an extraordinary career spanning several decades, earning global recognition for his mastery of bronze and realistic sculptures.Among his most celebrated works are the Statue of Unity at Kevadia in Gujarat, a 182-metre (522-foot) tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first deputy prime minister and home minister. His other iconic creations include the seated meditative statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Parliament complex. Sutar’s busts of Mahatma Gandhi have been installed in over 450 cities worldwide, further cementing his international stature. He was also associated with major upcoming and ongoing projects, including the Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mumbai.In recognition of his immense contribution, Sutar was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Recently, he was conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar, the highest civilian award of the state. Earlier this year, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis, along with deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, presented the award to him in Noida.Tributes poured in from across the political spectrum. Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath expressed sorrow over the “irreparable loss to the art world,” describing Sutar as the artisan behind the world’s tallest statue. In a post on X, he wrote: “The demise of the great sculptor, the artisan of the world’s tallest statue ‘Statue of Unity’, ‘Padma Bhushan’ Shri Ram V Sutar Ji, is extremely sorrowful and an irreplaceable loss to the art world… Om Shanti!” President Droupadi Murmu also condoled Sutar’s death, remembering him as an artist whose work significantly enriched India’s cultural heritage. In a post on X, she said: “Saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Sutar Ji, Padma Bhushan recipient and an eminent sculptor whose exceptional contributions have enriched India’s artistic and cultural heritage. His monumental works, including the Statue of Unity, stand as great symbols of India’s enduring legacy. His art will continue to inspire generations of artists. I extend my deepest condolences to his family members and admirers.” Union home minister Amit Shah termed Sutar’s passing “extremely heartbreaking,” highlighting his role in creating historical sculptures and restoring artworks at Ajanta and Ellora. BJP president JP Nadda remembered him as one of India’s most respected sculptors, noting that while the artist is no longer with us, his works will continue to keep his legacy alive.Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the nation had lost an “artist par excellence,” recalling Sutar’s work on the statues of Lachit Barphukan in Jorhat and Gopinath Bardoloi in Guwahati. He praised the sculptor’s personal involvement and exceptional craftsmanship in bringing Assam’s heroes to life.The Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office later announced that Sutar’s mortal remains would be accorded full state honours during the funeral rites in Noida, following a request made to the Union Home Minister and the Uttar Pradesh government.Often compared to masters like Rodin and Michelangelo, Ram Vanji Sutar leaves behind a towering artistic legacy that shaped India’s public spaces and collective imagination. His monumental creations, admired both in India and abroad, will continue to inspire generations to come. Go to Source
