Ram Sutar, Creator of Statue of Unity, Dies at 100

Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar, best known as the designer of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, passed away at his residence in Noida at the age of 100. He died due to age-related ailments, marking the end of an era in Indian monumental art and public sculpture.

Early Life and Artistic Journey

Ram Vanji Sutar was born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village in Maharashtra’s Dhule district. Coming from a modest background, he displayed an early inclination towards sculpting. His talent led him to the Sir JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medallist. This formal training laid the foundation for a career that would span more than seven decades.

Iconic Works and National Recognition

Sutar created several landmark statues that are deeply embedded in India’s public and political spaces. Among his most celebrated works are the seated statue of Mahatma Gandhi and the equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj installed in the Parliament complex. His most ambitious project, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, honours Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and stands as a symbol of national unity and engineering excellence.

Honours and Awards

Over his lifetime, Ram Sutar received multiple prestigious honours for his contribution to Indian art and culture. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016. More recently, he was conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar, the highest civilian award of the state, recognising his enduring artistic legacy.

What to Note for Exams?

• Ram Sutar designed the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue.
• He was born on 19 February 1925 in Dhule district, Maharashtra.
• He was a gold medallist from Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai.
• He received the Padma Bhushan in 2016.

Legacy in Indian Public Art

Ram Sutar’s work reshaped the scale and ambition of public sculpture in India. His statues combined classical aesthetics with modern engineering, influencing generations of artists and architects. His passing marks a significant loss to Indian art, but his creations will continue to define the country’s visual and cultural landscape for decades to come.