Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, widely celebrated as the mastermind behind the world's tallest statue—the 182-metre Statue of Unity dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia, Gujarat—passed away peacefully at his residence in Noida on the night of December 17, 2025, at the age of 100, following prolonged age-related health complications.
His son Anil Sutar confirmed the sad news in a statement, expressing profound grief and noting that the centenarian artist had been facing declining health in recent months; Ram Sutar's extraordinary body of work, encompassing numerous monumental statues and memorials across India, has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional command over bronze, stone, and large-scale sculptural design.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the national tributes with a heartfelt message, describing Sutar as an unparalleled sculptor whose creations, particularly the towering Statue of Unity, stand as enduring symbols of India's rich history, vibrant culture, and unified national spirit, ensuring that his contributions immortalize patriotic pride and continue to inspire artists and citizens for generations to come.
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Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, alongside Deputy Chief Ministers Ajit Pawar and Eknath Shinde, extended condolences, hailing the departed artist as a towering figure whose demise signifies the closure of a glorious chapter in the realm of Indian sculpture, profoundly shaping the country's visual and cultural heritage through decades of dedicated craftsmanship.
Born on February 19, 1925, in the modest Gondur village of Dhule district, Maharashtra, Ram Sutar rose to prominence after securing a gold medal from the esteemed Sir JJ School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai; his distinguished career was recognized with prestigious honours including the Padma Shri in 1999, the Padma Bhushan in 2016, and the Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar, solidifying his position as one of the most influential and revered sculptors in modern Indian history.
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