Daijiworld Media Network - Noida
Noida, Dec 18: Renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, best known for designing the world’s tallest statue — the Statue of Unity in Gujarat — passed away late on Wednesday night at his residence in Noida, his family confirmed. He was 100 and had been suffering from age-related ailments.
Confirming the demise, his son Anil Sutar said in a statement shared with the media, “It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father Shri Ram Vanji Sutar on December 17 at midnight at our residence.”
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district in present-day Maharashtra, Sutar hailed from a humble background and displayed a keen interest in sculpting from a very young age. His passion and talent later earned him a gold medal from the prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai.
Over a prolific career spanning several decades, Sutar created numerous iconic sculptures that adorn public spaces across the country. Among his most celebrated works are the statue of Mahatma Gandhi seated in a meditative pose and the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed at the Parliament complex in New Delhi.
His magnum opus, the Statue of Unity, was built in honour of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, and stands as a global landmark symbolising national unity.
In recognition of his immense contribution to Indian art and culture, Sutar was conferred the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. More recently, he was honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar, the highest civilian award of the state.
With his passing, the nation has lost a master sculptor whose creations will continue to inspire generations.