Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Vanji Sutar, the creative force behind the world’s tallest statue, the Statue of Unity, passed away at the age of 100 on Wednesday, 17 December 2025.
He breathed his last at his residence in Noida following age-related health complications. Born in 1925 in Maharashtra, Sutar’s career spanned seven decades, during which he immortalised national heroes in bronze and stone across the globe.
His son, Anil Sutar, confirmed the news on Thursday, prompting a wave of tributes from national leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. In a final honour, the Maharashtra government has announced that his funeral will be conducted with full state honours in Noida.
Century of Artistic Excellence
Ram Sutar was born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village, Maharashtra, into a humble family. His journey began at the Sir J. J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he graduated as a gold medallist.
Sutar’s genius lay in his ability to blend lifelike realism with monumental scale, a skill that eventually earned him comparisons to masters like Michelangelo and Rodin. Over his long career, he designed more than 350 statues installed in 150 Indian cities and nearly 450 cities worldwide.
His Noida studio, where he resided and worked since 1990, became a global hub for traditional sculpting techniques, attracting artists from around the world to learn the intricate art of large-scale bronze casting.
Immortalising India’s National Pride
The 182-metre Statue of Unity in Gujarat remains Sutar’s most celebrated masterpiece, a project he described as a dream fulfilled. Beyond this, his iconic works include the meditating Mahatma Gandhi and the equestrian Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statues at the Parliament complex.
Recently, he was involved in the memorial of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Indu Mills and projects in Ayodhya. For his contributions, he received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016.
Just last month, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis personally visited Sutar to confer the Maharashtra Bhushan, the state’s highest civilian award, during which the centenarian moved officials by reciting the song “Maharashtra Majha.”
PM Modi Express Condolences
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the passing of Ram Sutar, describing him as a remarkable sculptor whose mastery gifted India with its most prestigious landmarks.
In a heartfelt post on X, the Prime Minister stated that Sutar’s works vividly showcase India’s history, culture, and collective consciousness.
He further noted that the legendary artisan had “immortalised national pride for generations to come,” asserting that Sutar’s timeless bronze creations would continue to inspire both citizens and artists forever.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that an artist of Ram Sutar’s stature does not merely shape metal; he preserves the collective memory of a civilisation. His century-long life was a testament to the power of dedication, humility, and the quiet pursuit of excellence.
Sutar’s passing is an irreplaceable loss, yet his legacy stands tall in every corner of the world, reminding us of the values of the leaders he sculpted. We salute the “Bhishmacharya of Sculpture” for giving a tangible form to India’s history and national pride.
