Noted Sculptor Ram Sutar Passes Away

Why in News

• Renowned Indian sculptor Ram Sutar passed away on 17 December 2025 at the age of 100 due to age-related illnesses.
• He was the designer of the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, located in Gujarat.

Early Life

• Born: 19 February 1925
• Birthplace: Gondur village, Dhule district, present-day Maharashtra
• Came from a humble background and showed a natural inclination towards sculpting from childhood.

Major Contributions

Iconic Sculptures

• Statue of Unity (182 metres)
  • Dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister
  • Symbol of national unity and integration
• Mahatma Gandhi statue in a seated meditative pose at the Parliament complex
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue depicting him riding a horse at Parliament premises

These works reflect a blend of realism, nationalism, and monumental public art.

Awards & Honours

• Padma Shri – 1999
• Padma Bhushan – 2016
• Maharashtra Bhushan Puraskar – Recently conferred
  • Highest civilian award of Maharashtra