- December 18, 2025
Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar, Designer Of Statue Of Unity, Passes Away At 100; PM Modi Expresses Grief
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Sculptor Ram Sutar, known for designing the world’s tallest statue — Statue of Unity — in Gujarat, passed away late on Wednesday night after suffering from age-related ailments.
Veteran sculptor Ram Sutar passes away at 100. (Image: X/@narendramodi)
Noted sculptor Ram Sutar, known for designing the world’s tallest statue — Statue of Unity — in Gujarat, passed away late on Wednesday night at his Noida residence. Extending condolences to the family, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Ram Sutar’s works will always be admired as powerful expressions of India’s history, culture and collective spirit.
Taking to X, PM Modi wrote, “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.”
“His works will always be admired as powerful expressions of India’s history, culture and collective spirit. He has immortalised national pride for generations to come. His works will keep inspiring artists and citizens alike. My heartfelt condolences to his family, admirers and all who were touched by his remarkable life and work. Om Shanti,” he added.
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. His works will always be admired as powerful expressions of India’s history, culture and collective… pic.twitter.com/xF9tNkCsp5— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 18, 2025
The 100-year-old sculptor was suffering from age-related illnesses. “It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father Shri Ram Vanji Sutar on December 17, midnight at our residence,” his son Anil Sutar said in a note shared with the press on Thursday.
Who Was Ram Sutar?
- Born in a humble family in Gondur village under the Dhule district of present-day Maharashtra on February 19, 1925, Sutar is known to have been drawn to sculpting from his childhood.
- He was gold medallist from JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai.
- The iconic statues of Mahatma Gandhi seated in a meditating pose and of Chhatrapati Shivaji riding a horse on the Parliament premises rank among his finest creations.
- The Statue of Unity honours Sardar Patel, the country’s first deputy prime minister and home minister.
- Sutar was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
- Recently, Sutar was conferred with the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar, the state’s highest award.
(With agency inputs)
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. December 18, 2025, 12:01 IST
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