Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the demise of renowned sculptor Dr Ram Sutar, describing him as an extraordinary artist whose exceptional skill shaped some of India’s most recognisable and celebrated monuments. The Prime Minister said Sutar’s creations, including the iconic Statue of Unity, stand as enduring symbols of India’s history, cultural depth and collective national spirit, and will continue to be admired for generations to come.
Legendary sculptor Ram Sutar, who earned global acclaim for his contribution to Indian art and monumental sculpture, passed away at his residence in Noida late Wednesday night at the age of 100. His son, Anil Sutar, confirmed the news and said that the veteran artist had been battling age-related health complications for some time before his passing.
In a statement, Anil Sutar said the family was deeply saddened by the loss and informed that Ram Sutar breathed his last shortly after midnight on December 17 at their home. The sculptor’s death marks the end of a remarkable artistic journey that spanned several decades and left an indelible mark on India’s cultural and architectural landscape.
Ram Sutar was widely respected for his mastery of bronze and stone, and for creating statues and memorials that captured the essence of India’s national identity. His works are not only visually imposing but also rich in historical symbolism, earning him admiration both in India and abroad.
Expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Modi said Ram Sutar’s life and work had immortalised national pride and inspired countless artists and citizens. He noted that Sutar’s sculptures would continue to motivate future generations and serve as timeless reminders of India’s heritage. The Prime Minister extended his heartfelt sympathies to the sculptor’s family, admirers and all those influenced by his extraordinary legacy.
Tributes also poured in from Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his deputies Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, who said that Ram Sutar’s passing signalled the end of an era in the field of sculpture. They praised his unparalleled contribution to Indian art and acknowledged his role in elevating the country’s cultural presence on the global stage.
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Maharashtra’s Dhule district, Ram Sutar showed artistic promise at an early age. He went on to graduate from the prestigious JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai, where he was awarded a gold medal for excellence. Over the years, his outstanding contribution to art earned him several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2016, and the Bhushan Puraskar, Maharashtra’s highest civilian award.
