Renowned Sculptor Ram Sutar Passes Away at 100, Creator of Statue of Unity
Ram Sutar's Legacy
Ram Sutar, the esteemed sculptor behind the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, passed away late Wednesday night at his home in Noida. He was 100 years old and had been facing age-related health issues. The Statue of Unity, a grand tribute to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is located in Gujarat.
His son, Anil Sutar, shared the news with the press on Thursday, stating, "It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of my father, Shri Ram Vanji Sutar, at midnight on December 17 at our residence."
Early Life and Education
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village, Dhule district, Maharashtra, Ram Sutar hailed from a humble background. He showed an early inclination towards sculpture and earned a gold medal from the J.J. School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai.
Notable Works and Recognition
Among his remarkable creations are the statues of Mahatma Gandhi in a meditative pose and Chhatrapati Shivaji on horseback, both located in the Parliament complex. Sutar was honored with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, along with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan award recently.
Who Was Ram Sutar?
Ram Sutar, born in February 1925 in Gondur village, Dhule district, received training from Shriram Krishna Joshi. After obtaining his diploma in 1953, he became a Mayo Gold Medalist at the J.J. School of Art and Architecture. His passion for art led him to work with the Archaeological Survey of India at Ajanta-Ellora.
Later, he worked at the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in Delhi but left his job in 1959 to pursue sculpture full-time. He is credited with creating over 8,000 works, including more than 200 statues of Gandhi worldwide, earning him the title of one of India's greatest sculptors.
Statue of Unity, Gujarat
Standing at 182 meters, the Statue of Unity is the tallest statue in the world, designed by Ram Sutar. Constructed with bronze panel cladding, it weighs approximately 1,700 tons and is said to be earthquake-resistant. Located near Kevadia in the Narmada Valley, it commemorates India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. The statue was inaugurated in October 2018.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, Mumbai
The equestrian statue of Shivaji Maharaj, part of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Memorial, stands 120 meters tall. Although initially planned to be built offshore from Mumbai, the final maritime memorial has faced delays and modifications. This grand monument depicts the Maratha warrior in his iconic horseback pose against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.
Statues of Mahatma Gandhi
One of Sutar's notable works is the 17-meter tall statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a meditative pose, installed in the Indian Parliament. He also created the famous statue of the Dandi March in Delhi, which has served as a model for hundreds of statues in 300-350 cities worldwide. His Gandhi statues are among the most frequently replicated monuments.
One of Sutar's early creations is the 45-foot tall statue of Devi Chambal, located at the Gandhi Sagar Dam. This statue has become a symbol of the river and region, depicting the mythological story of the goddess nurturing the lands of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, representing brotherhood.
Krishna-Arjun Chariot
Located at Brahma Sarovar in Kurukshetra, the Krishna-Arjun Chariot represents a pivotal moment from the Mahabharata. Weighing 45 tons and standing 35 feet tall, it was inaugurated in 2008. Sutar's dynamic artwork evokes powerful mythology and cultural symbols.