The Aryavarth Express
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed deep sorrow over the passing of celebrated sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the visionary artist behind some of India’s most iconic monuments, including the Statue of Unity in Kevadia.
Ram V. Sutar passed away at his residence in Noida at the age of 100. He had been suffering from age-related ailments, according to Noida Police.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi paid tribute to the legendary artist, saying, “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.”
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences, calling Sutar’s death an irreplaceable loss to the art world. In a post on X, he described the Padma Bhushan awardee as the creator of the world’s tallest statue and prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength for the grieving family.
Ram V. 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. A gold medallist from the prestigious J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, Sutar was internationally acclaimed for his realistic bronze sculptures.
His artistic legacy includes busts of Mahatma Gandhi installed in more than 450 cities across the world. Widely respected in global art circles, his work drew comparisons with legendary sculptors such as Rodin and Michelangelo.
Beyond the Statue of Unity, Sutar was also involved in several other landmark projects, including the proposed 600-foot Lord Ram statue in Ayodhya and the 400-foot Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Mumbai. His contributions have left an enduring imprint on India’s cultural and artistic landscape.
