New Delhi, 18 December (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief on Thursday over the passing of renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, hailing him as an extraordinary artist whose masterful creations, including the iconic Statue of Unity, have immortalized India's historical landmarks.

In a heartfelt post on X, Modi described Sutar's works as powerful expressions of the nation's history, culture, and collective spirit, which will continue to inspire artists and citizens alike for generations.

PM Modi stated that Sutar's demise has left him deeply saddened, underscoring the sculptor's unparalleled artistry that gifted India prestigious monuments such as the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. He emphasized that these masterpieces embody national pride and will eternally resonate with future generations, ensuring Sutar's legacy endures in the art world.

Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village of Dhule district, Maharashtra, Ram Sutar—widely regarded as the father of the Statue of Unity—earned a gold medal from Mumbai's JJ School of Art and Architecture. His notable sculptures include Mahatma Gandhi in meditative pose at the Parliament complex in New Delhi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj astride a horse.Sutar received the Padma Shri in 1999 and the Padma Bhushan in 2016, along with Maharashtra's highest honor, the Maharashtra Bhushan, in recent years.

The Statue of Unity, dedicated to India's first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, stands at 182 meters as the world's tallest statue, symbolizing the unity of the nation beside the Narmada River in Gujarat. Prime Minister Modi extended condolences to Sutar's family, admirers, and all those inspired by his life and works.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar