Ram Vanji Sutar is an everyday name amongst the students of art. The 93-year-old man has literally left no stone unturned in making sure that his latest creation, the Statue of Unity, leaves no facial details of the Ironman of India. Let us peek into the life of this great Indian.
Now worldly renowned for his talent in the field of sculpture, Mr Sutar had to fight his way to the top. In the year 1925, he was born in a small village of Gondur(Maharashtra) to a poor family. He always interested in architecture and sculpture but it was after turning 27 that his association with the art fast-paced. His mentor, Shriram Krishna Joshi encouraged him to join the prestigious, Sir J.J. School of Art. Here he turned out to be the topper of the course and was honoured with the Mayo Gold medal award in 1953. A year later, he was already serving in Maharashtra’s Department of Archeology where he worked for 4 years as a modeller. While at the department, the sculptor restored various carvings at Ajanta and Ellora.
His work didn’t limit to his home state, he got the chance to serve the country as well. After leaving his post he began working as Technical Assistant in the Exhibition Division of Audiovisual Publicity, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, preparing models on the Five Year Plans. A year later, in 1959, he left the job to become a professional in his field of sculpture.
The then Prime Minister, Mr Jawaharlal Nehru was astonished by Ram’s work in Chambal, where he constructed a 45 feet monument at the Gandhi Sagar Dam. Mr Nehru then asked him to lay a similar monument for the Bhakra Dam.
After an illustrious career which spans over 60 years, Ram’s most recognized work till now is the bust of Mahatma Gandhi. The copies of the bust have been distributed internationally, France, Russia, Italy, Argentina to name a few. The largest one can be seen at the Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.
He has over the years created more than 50 monumental sculptures. Mr Ram Sutar these days can be seen in his studio at Noida. His son Anil Sutar, also a sculptor runs the studio with him.
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