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Legendary Sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar Passes at 100: The Hands Behind the Statue of Unity

The nation is mourning the loss of legendary sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, who passed away at 100. He was the creative genius behind the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity. Leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Devendra Fadnavis have paid heartfelt tributes to the Padma Bhushan awardee. His legacy includes iconic works like the Gandhi bust found worldwide and other monumental statues.

Key Points: Statue of Unity Sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar Dies at 100

  • Creator of the 182-meter Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue
  • Designed major statues like Ayodhya's Lord Ram and Mumbai's Shivaji Maharaj
  • His Gandhi bust is installed in over 450 cities globally
  • Received Padma Bhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awards for his contributions
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Sculptor of Statue of Unity Ram Vanji Sutar passes away at 100; leaders pay tribute

Padma Bhushan awardee and creator of the world's tallest statue, Ram Vanji Sutar, passes away at 100. Nation mourns the legendary sculptor.

"The demise of the great sculptor... is extremely sorrowful and an irreplaceable loss to the art world. - Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath"

Noida, December 18

Eminent sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the hands behind the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, passed away at his residence in Noida on Thursday, said Noida Police.

He was 100 and had been ailing with age-related illnesses.

The passing away of the legendary artist has drawn tributes from across the nation. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his grief on X: "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. A humble tribute to him! I pray to Lord Shri Ram that the departed noble soul attains eternal peace and grants strength to the grieving family to bear this immense sorrow. Om Shanti!"

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also paid tribute to the centenarian artist.

In a post on X, Maharashtra Chief Minister's Office wrote, "Chief sculptor and Maharashtra Bhushan Shri Ram Sutar's mortal remains should be accorded full state honours for the funeral rites; for this, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had telephoned and made a request to Union Home Minister Hon. Amitbhai Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Hon. Yogi Adityanathji. The Uttar Pradesh government has immediately accepted that request. Shri Ram Sutar's mortal remains will be given full state honours for the funeral rites in Noida."

Sutar is famous for designing the Statue of Unity, the world's tallest statue that stands 182 metres.

Ram V. Sutar was gold medalist from J.J. School of Art, Bombay. Celebrated for his mastery of bronze and realistic sculptures, Sutar is recognised globally for his work. His bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in over 450 cities worldwide. Sutar's creations have garnered international acclaim, drawing artists to his studio. He's often compared to masters like Rodin and Michelangelo.

The 522-foot Statue of Unity honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Sutar was also involved in other notable projects, including the 600-foot Lord Ram Statue in Ayodhya and the 400-foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Statue in Mumbai.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, presented the Maharashtra Bhushan Award to sculptor Ram V Sutar in Noida.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
What an incredible life of 100 years, dedicated entirely to art. His Gandhi busts around the world silently spread the message of peace. A fitting tribute with state honours. Rest in peace, sir.
V
Vikram M
His legacy is literally set in bronze and stone across India. From Patel to Shivaji to Lord Ram, he sculpted our history. A great loss, but his work is immortal.
S
Sarah B
As someone who visited the Statue of Unity last year, the scale and detail are breathtaking. To think one artist envisioned that. My condolences to his family and the art community.
R
Rohit P
While his talent was undeniable, I sometimes wonder if the crores spent on these giant statues could have been used for art schools or supporting living artists. Just a thought. Nevertheless, a remarkable career.
K
Karthik V
Padma Bhushan, Maharashtra Bhushan, and compared to Michelangelo! What an achievement for an Indian artist. He put us on the global map for sculpture. A centenarian who lived a full life. Salute!

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