Ram Sutar, chief sculptor of Statue of Unity, dies

• Renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, whose creations included the gigantic Statue of Unity in Gujarat and the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Parliament complex, passed away on December 17 in Noida. He was 100.

• Popularly known as the “Statue Man”, 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. 

• Born in Gondur village in Maharashtra’s Dhule district on February 19, 1925, Sutar is known to have been drawn to sculpting from his childhood. 

• He was a gold medallist from JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai. 

• Sutar, whose creations defined the country’s public art landscape, was instrumental in giving Indian memorial sculpture global recognition.

• In a career spanning over seven decades, he created some of the country’s most iconic statues and memorials, blending artistic realism with historical depth.

• He commanded immense respect in India and abroad for his unparalleled mastery over bronze and stone.

• He attained global prominence as the chief sculptor of the Statue of Unity, the 182-metre statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Gujarat’s Kevadia. The project, which created the world’s tallest statue, cemented his reputation as a master of large-scale monumental art.

• Among his vast body of work are statues of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament complex, Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and several national leaders and historical figures across India and abroad.

• Despite international acclaim, Sutar was known for his simplicity and humility. 

• Working from his studio in Noida, he remained professionally active well into his old age and mentored generations of young sculptors.