Ram V Sutar Passes Away at 100: Legendary Sculptor Behind Statue of Unity Leaves Enduring Legacy

New Delhi, December 18, 2025 – India mourns the loss of Padma Bhushan awardee Ram Vanji Sutar, the visionary sculptor renowned for designing the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity. The iconic artist, often called the “Statue Man” of India, passed away late on December 17, 2025, at his residence in Noida due to age-related ailments.

He was 100 years old.Ram V Sutar’s demise marks the end of an era in Indian monumental art. His son, Anil Sutar, who collaborated with him on numerous projects, announced the sad news: “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.

“Tributes poured in from across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow, stating, “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.”President Droupadi Murmu also mourned the loss, highlighting how Sutar’s “monumental works, including the Statue of Unity, stand as great symbols of India’s enduring legacy.

“Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who recently conferred the Maharashtra Bhushan Award on Sutar, called it an “irreparable loss,” while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath described it as a blow to the art world.

Early Life and Humble Beginnings of Ram V Sutar

Born on February 19, 1925, in the modest village of Gondur in Maharashtra’s Dhule district, Ram Vanji Sutar came from a Vishwakarma family with roots in carpentry.

From a young age, he showed an innate talent for sculpting, drawing inspiration from everyday life and historical figures.Sutar pursued formal education at the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art and Architecture in Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medalist in modeling and sculpture.

His early career included restoring ancient carvings at the Ajanta and Ellora Caves while working with the Department of Archaeology from 1954 to 1958.In 1959, he moved to Delhi, setting up his studio that would become the hub of his legendary creations. Over seven decades, Sutar designed over 8,000 sculptures, blending realism with grandeur to immortalize India’s leaders and heritage.

The Magnum Opus: Statue of Unity – World’s Tallest Statue

Ram V Sutar’s crowning achievement was undoubtedly the Statue of Unity, a 182-meter (597-foot) bronze colossus dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s Iron Man and first Deputy Prime Minister.

Located in Kevadia, Gujarat, overlooking the Narmada River and Sardar Sarovar Dam, it surpassed China’s Spring Temple Buddha to become the world’s tallest statue upon its unveiling in 2018.At the age of 93, Sutar led the design, collaborating with his son Anil and a team using advanced technology like KUKA robots for precision.

The statue symbolizes Patel’s role in unifying India and attracts millions of tourists annually, boosting Gujarat’s economy and national pride.Sutar’s vision for monumental art stemmed from childhood dreams of rivaling global icons like the Statue of Liberty. The Statue of Unity not only achieved that but elevated Indian sculpture on the world stage.

Iconic Works: From Gandhi to Shivaji – Ram Sutar’s Vast Portfolio

Beyond the Statue of Unity, Ram V Sutar’s portfolio includes lifelike bronze and stone masterpieces adorning Parliament, public spaces, and international sites.Notable creations include:

• The meditative seated statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the Parliament complex in New Delhi, replicated and installed worldwide.
• The dynamic equestrian statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj on horseback, also at Parliament.
• A 45-foot Chambal Devi monument at Gandhi Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh.
• The 108-foot bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempe Gowda at Bengaluru’s international airport.
• Statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Swami Vivekananda, and other leaders across India.

Sutar’s busts of Gandhi were distributed to over 450 cities globally, spreading messages of peace. His works often collaborated with son Anil, including recent projects like statues in Sindhudurg district.Known for anatomical precision and emotional depth, Sutar mentored generations of sculptors, many establishing independent careers.

Awards and Honors: Recognition for a Lifetime of Excellence

Ram V Sutar’s contributions earned him India’s highest civilian honors:

• Padma Shri in 1999
• Padma Bhushan in 2016
• Tagore Award for Cultural Harmony in 2016 (awarded in 2018)
• Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar in 2025, presented at his Noida home by Chief Minister Fadnavis and deputies.

He also received honorary doctorates and global acclaim for elevating Indian memorial sculpture.

Legacy of Ram V Sutar: Inspiring Future Generations

Even in his 90s and 100s, Sutar remained active in his Noida studio, proving age was no barrier to creativity. His family, including son Anil, continues his work through Ram Sutar Art Creations.

As India bids farewell to this maestro, his sculptures stand eternal – reminders of unity, heritage, and artistic brilliance. The Statue of Unity and countless monuments ensure Ram V Sutar’s vision endures, inspiring artists and patriots alike.

Funeral rites are expected with state honors, as requested by Maharashtra leaders.Ram V Sutar’s journey from a village carpenter’s son to the architect of India’s tallest monuments exemplifies dedication and talent. His loss is profound, but his legacy towers forever.