Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the mastermind behind some of the country’s most iconic statues, including the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, passed away on Wednesday night, December 17, at his residence in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. He was 100 years old and had been suffering from age-related ailments. His son, Anil Sutar, confirmed the news in a statement to the press, saying, “It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father, Shri Ram Vanji Sutar, on 17th December midnight at our residence.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to the legendary sculptor on X, writing, “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.” He added that Sutar’s works would “always be admired as powerful expressions of India’s history, culture, and collective spirit” and praised him for immortalising national pride for generations to come.
Born on February 19, 1925, in the village of Gondur in present-day Maharashtra, Sutar displayed a passion for sculpting from an early age. He pursued formal education in the arts at the prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medallist. Over the course of his illustrious career, Sutar became one of India’s most respected and celebrated sculptors, leaving behind a legacy of monumental public artworks.
His most famous creation, the Statue of Unity, stands at 182 metres, depicting Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, in Gujarat. Other notable works include the Mahatma Gandhi statue in a meditative pose, the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at the Parliament premises in New Delhi, and the under-construction Statue of Equality at the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial in Dadar. Sutar’s contributions to Indian art and culture remain unparalleled, inspiring generations of artists and citizens alike.
His death marks the end of a remarkable century-long life dedicated to celebrating India’s heritage through sculpture.
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