Mumbai, 18 Dec (HS): Rich tributes were paid to

renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, who passed away on Thursday morning at the ripe

age of 100.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis contacted his son

Anil Sutar on telephone to console the family.

Fadnavis said Ram Sutar carved Maharashtra’s name

through his creations in the world. He was honoured with Padma Shri, Padma

Bhushan and Maharashtra Bhushan awards. Fadnavis recalled that during his visit

to Sutar’s residence in Delhi, to hand over Maharashtra Bhushan Award, his

reciting shloka from Bhagvad Geeta made the atmosphere emotional. After

creating the Statue of Unity of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Swatantyaveer

Savarkar installed in Andaman, he was busy creating statue of Dr Babasaheb

Ambedkar at Indu Mill, at the age of 100. His works will be remembered for

hundreds of years through his sculptures.

DCM EKNATH SHINDE: The ‘Kohinoor’ of the art of sculpture

making in Ram Sutar has gone, said Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. Through

his art Sutar spread message of great personalities and Indian culture

throughout the world.

Sutar’s contribution was recognised by the Centre by

awarding Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan, and by Maharashtra Government by conferring

Maharashtra Bhushan awards.

Shinde also recalled his visit to Sutar’s residence

in Delhi, which turned out to be the last meeting with him. His life will be an

inspiration to the young artists, he said.

DCM AJIT PAWAR: The golden era of art of making

sculpture has ended with the demise of Ram Sutar. The Bhishmacharya of the

field had passed away, said Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.

Hundreds of sculptures made by Sutar are examples of

his mastery over the art. Starting his career from Maharashtra Dhule district

he carved his place in the world in the field of art. Pawar said he was

felicitated by the Nationalist Congress Party on his 100th birthday

and by the government by honouring him with the Maharashtra Bhushan award.

Ram Sutar continued to work till the end of his

life, which is an indication of dedication of the artists to his field, he

said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Ajay Vasant Mardikar