The nation is in mourning following the passing of Ram V Sutar, the iconic sculptor behind some of India's most monumental statues, including the Statue of Unity. He died at his residence in Noida on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the venerable age of 100.
A Century of Artistic Legacy
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in Maharashtra's Dhule district, Sutar's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a national treasure is a story of immense dedication. His passion for sculpting was evident from childhood and was honed at Mumbai's prestigious J J School of Art and Architecture, where he graduated as a gold medallist.
His career spanned decades, earning him the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. Just last month, he was honoured with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, the state's highest civilian honour, presented at his home by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and deputy chief ministers.
Monuments That Define a Nation
Ram V Sutar's hands shaped the physical landscape of modern India's memorials. His most famous work, the 182-metre tall Statue of Unity in Gujarat, stands as the world's tallest statue, a testament to his vision and scale.
However, his genius was not confined to a single project. His profound and widely replicated bust of Mahatma Gandhi found a home in over 450 cities across India and abroad. Other seminal works include:
- The seated statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the old Parliament building in New Delhi.
- A larger replica of the Gandhi statue at Bengaluru's Vidhana Soudha.
- The 45-foot-tall Chambal monument.
- The 108-foot statue of Kempe Gowda at Bengaluru airport.
As CM Fadnavis noted while conferring the Maharashtra Bhushan, each of Sutar's creations was an "art of perfection."
National Tributes and Final Honours
The news of his demise prompted an outpouring of grief from the highest levels of government. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hailed Sutar as a great sculptor whose world-class work reflected his talent, life, and hard work.
Fadnavis personally spoke to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting that Sutar's final rites be conducted with state honours. Both leaders have reportedly given their consent, ensuring the maestro receives a farewell befitting his monumental contribution to the nation's cultural heritage.
Ram V Sutar's passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy is cast in bronze and stone across the country, standing tall for generations to remember and admire.
