3 min readMumbaiNov 15, 2025 03:31 PM IST
First published on: Nov 15, 2025 at 03:31 PM IST
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, along with Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, presented the Maharashtra Bhushan Award – the highest civilian award of the state – to sculptor Ram V Sutar at the latter’s residence in Noida on Friday.
Born in a humble family in Gondur village under the Dhule district of present-day Maharashtra on February 19, 1925, Sutar is known to have been drawn to sculpting from his childhood.
A gold medallist from JJ School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai, Sutar, 100, has to his credit a long list of achievements.
Sutar designed the Statue of Unity in Gujarat – the world’s tallest statue at 182 metres.
He also earned applause for mastering the Mahatma Gandhi bust, which was replicated and sent to 450 cities across India and outside. To his credit is also the 45-foot-tall Chambal monument. The statue of Mahatma Gandhi in a seated position, installed outside the old Parliament building, is his concept and work. He made a larger replica of the Mahatma Gandhi statue for the Vidhana Soudha in Karnataka. The 108-foot-tall Kempe Gowda statue at the Bengaluru International Airport was also designed by Sutar.
In 1999, he received the Padma Shri, and the Padma Bhushan from the Government of India in 2016.[
In October 2018, Sutar received the Tagore Award for cultural harmony.
An official press note issued by the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Friday stated, “The internationally acclaimed sculptor, Sutar, is often compared to world-acclaimed masters like Rodin and Michelangelo. And not surprisingly, many global sculptors and artists are drawn to his studio in India for the past several decades.”
While awarding Sutar, CM Fadnavis said, “Each sculpture designed by Ram Sutar is an art of perfection. His sculpture brings to the fore rich culture and history. It is a legacy that has earned global recognition. They are extraordinary works.”
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said, “Ram Sutar has earned the title of statue-man of India. His work has earned a place of pride both in India and worldwide.”
Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, “Ram Sutar’s vast experience and talent are acclaimed globally. He is Maharashtra’s pride. He is India’s pride. His contribution is immense and remains an inspiration for one and all.”
Legendary sculptor Ram V. Sutar, the visionary behind the Statue of Unity. (File) 
Share
