Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed grief over the demise of renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the creative force behind several of India’s iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Ram Sutar Ji, a remarkable sculptor whose mastery gave India some of its most iconic landmarks, including the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. His works will always be admired as powerful expressions of India’s history, culture and collective spirit. He has immortalised national pride for generations to come. His works will keep inspiring artists and citizens alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work. Om Shanti.”
Sutar passed away at his residence in Noida on Thursday. He was 100-year-old and was suffering from age-related ailments, said the Noida Police.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed grief over Sutar’s demise. In a post on X, he said, “The demise of the great sculptor, creator of the world’s tallest statue ‘Statue of Unity’ and Padma Bhushan awardee Shri Ram V. Sutar Ji, is extremely sorrowful and an irreparable loss to the art world. I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear this immense loss. Om Shanti.”
Sutar was best known for designing the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres (597 feet), dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. He was a gold medallist from the J.J. School of Art, Bombay, and was widely celebrated for his realistic bronze sculptures.
His bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been installed in more than 450 cities across the world. Sutar’s work received international recognition and drew artists and admirers to his studio.
He was also associated with several other major projects, including the proposed Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mumbai.
(ANI)
