Renowned Sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, Designer of Statue of Unity, Dies at 100
India’s art and cultural community is mourning the loss of Ram Vanji Sutar, one of the country’s most respected sculptors and the designer of the Statue of Unity. Sutar passed away late Wednesday night at his residence in Noida after a prolonged battle with age-related health issues. He was 100.
The news was confirmed by his son, Anil Sutar, who said the veteran artist died peacefully at home. Tributes poured in from across the country, with many remembering him as a master sculptor whose work helped shape India’s modern visual identity.
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Maharashtra’s Dhule district, Sutar came from a modest background. Those close to him have often recalled that his interest in sculpting began at a young age, long before he received any formal training. His talent later earned him a gold medal from Mumbai’s prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture, marking the beginning of a remarkable career spanning several decades.
Sutar is best known nationally and internationally for designing the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Standing at 182 metres, it remains the world’s tallest statue and has become a major cultural and tourist landmark since its inauguration.
Beyond the Statue of Unity, Sutar’s contributions to public art are visible in some of India’s most prominent spaces. His sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi in a seated, meditative posture and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on horseback at the Parliament complex are regarded as among his finest works, reflecting both artistic precision and historical sensitivity.
Over the years, Sutar received several national honours in recognition of his contribution to Indian art. 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 given by the state government.
Sutar’s passing marks the end of an era in Indian sculpture. His works, many of them monumental in scale, continue to stand as enduring symbols of the country’s history, leadership, and cultural pride. As India reflects on his legacy, his art remains a lasting reminder of how creativity can leave a permanent mark on public life.
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