Renowned Sculptor Ram Sutar Passes Away at 100, Nation Mourns a Legendary Artist

Noida: India’s celebrated sculptor Ram Sutar, the visionary artist behind some of the country’s most iconic monuments—including the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity—passed away late Wednesday night at his residence in Sector 19, Noida, following a prolonged illness. He was 100 years old.

With his passing, the nation has lost not just a master sculptor, but a towering figure in India’s cultural and artistic heritage. Ram Sutar had been bedridden for a long time and was unable to sit or stand due to age-related ailments. His last rites will be performed on Thursday at Sector 94, Noida.

The news of his demise was confirmed by his son Anil Sutar, himself a noted sculptor who has been carrying forward his father’s artistic legacy.

Architect of India’s Monumental Identity

Ram Sutar’s contribution to Indian art is unparalleled. He was the chief sculptor of the Statue of Unity, the 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat, which stands today as a global symbol of India’s unity and engineering-artistic excellence.

Over a prolific career spanning several decades, Sutar created more than 350 statues of Mahatma Gandhi, installed across India and in several countries around the world. He also sculpted numerous statues of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, making his work deeply intertwined with India’s freedom movement and social reform legacy.

Among his other major works are:

• The 100-foot statue of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in Pune
• The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament House
• The proposed 251-metre statue of Lord Ram
• The iconic Veena installation at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk in Ayodhya

He also played a significant role in the restoration of ancient sculptures at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves, contributing to the preservation of India’s priceless heritage.

A Life of Honors and Recognition

Ram Sutar’s extraordinary contribution to art earned him the country’s highest civilian honors—Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. In November this year, he was also conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian award. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with his cabinet colleagues, personally visited Sutar’s Noida residence to honor him.

From Humble Beginnings to Global Fame

Born on February 19, 1925, in a poor family in Gondur village, Maharashtra, Ram Sutar rose from modest beginnings to become a globally respected sculptor. He set up his studio in Noida and had been residing there since 1990, continuing his creative work well into advanced age.

An Enduring Legacy

Ram Sutar’s sculptures are not merely works of art; they are embodiments of India’s history, ideals, and collective consciousness. His creations will continue to inspire generations, standing tall as symbols of national pride.

As the country bids farewell to this legendary artist, tributes continue to pour in from political leaders, artists, and admirers across the nation—remembering Ram Sutar as a man who carved India’s soul into stone and bronze.