Ram Sutar, ‘Statue of Unity’ Sculptor, Dies At 100
NEW DELHI – Renowned sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, whose artistic vision gave form to the Statue of Unity in Gujarat and shaped the visual identity of modern India, passed away at his residence in Noida. He was 100. Family sources said he died of age-related ailments, marking the end of a defining chapter in Indian monumental art.
Condolences poured in from across the country. President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute, describing Sutar as an artist whose creations immortalised India’s history and values. Cultural institutions and leaders called his death an irreparable loss to the nation’s artistic heritage. Sutar is survived by his family and a legacy that continues to enrich India’s public spaces.
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district, Maharashtra, Sutar rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most influential public sculptors. A gold medallist from the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, he dedicated over seven decades to sculpting figures that embodied India’s political, cultural, and historical consciousness.
His most celebrated work, the Statue of Unity, stands 182 metres tall in Kevadia, Gujarat, making it the tallest statue in the world. As chief sculptor and conceptual designer, Sutar translated Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role as India’s unifier into a form combining authority, realism, and restraint. Patel’s forward-moving stance, carefully detailed facial expression, and attire reflect leadership and resolve, avoiding aggression while projecting firmness.
Despite the unprecedented scale, Sutar personally oversaw the artistic detailing, working with engineers and designers to ensure proportional accuracy and human expression. His involvement continued into his 90s, reflecting a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship. Inaugurated in 2018, the Statue of Unity has become a symbol of national pride and a major tourism hub, while serving as the artistic culmination of Sutar’s career.
Beyond the Statue of Unity, Sutar’s sculptures occupy prominent public spaces across India and abroad. His works include the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue outside the Indian Parliament, the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Parliament House, and statues of leaders such as B.R. Ambedkar and V.D. Savarkar. Known for dignity, balance, and emotional restraint, his sculptures command presence without exaggeration.
For his contributions, Sutar received numerous honors, including the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2016, and Maharashtra’s highest civilian award, the Maharashtra Bhushan, recognizing his lifetime achievement in public art. (IANS)
