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Ram Sutar gets Maharashtra Bhushan Award; World-renowned sculptor honored
Mumbai, November 15, 2025 – Senior sculptor Ram Vanje Sutar, who has brought light to the cultural and artistic heritage of Maharashtra, has been awarded the state's highest honour, the 'Maharashtra Bhushan' award. This award is a tribute to his lifetime of artwork and his unparalleled contribution to Indian sculpture. The award will be presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon, and a wave of joy has spread in the art world of the state.
Ram Sutar is known as a man of the era in Indian sculpture. The magnificent statues he created have enhanced the pride of India all over the world. The 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat, the tallest statue in the world (182 meters), is an excellent example of his craftsmanship. This statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspired sculptors not only in India but also in the world. Apart from this, he has created statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and many other great men in Delhi. His hand-crafted sculptures show a vibrancy and emotional depth that is rare in ordinary sculptors.
While announcing the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, the state government lauded Sutar's contribution openly. "Ram Sutar has put the soil of Maharashtra on the world map. His sculptures are not just of stone, but of history and culture," said Chief Minister Fadnavis. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a memento and a citation. Last year, the award was given to veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, while earlier luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar have received this honour.
Ram Sutar was born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in Dhule district of Maharashtra. He was drawn to sculpture since childhood. After studying at the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai, he excelled in sculpture. In the 1950s, he started working independently and the sculptures in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi brought him national recognition. He played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Statue of Unity' project, in which he worked tirelessly even at the age of 94.
Sutar has previously received the Padma Bhushan (2016), Padma Shri (1999) and several other national and international awards. However, he is particularly happy that the Maharashtra Bhushan is an honour from his home state. "I am a son of the soil of Maharashtra. This award is for the contribution of my teachers and colleagues," Sutar said after the award was announced.
Artists, sculptors and the general public in Maharashtra have welcomed the decision. Students and professors of J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai congratulated Sutar. "His statues will inspire generations," said a student. Also, the hashtag #RamSutarMaharashtraBhushan is trending on social media, with many sharing photos of his statues and wishing him well.
The award ceremony will be held near the Gateway of India in Mumbai and will be attended by dignitaries from various fields of the state. This honour for Ram Sutar has given new strength to the artistic tradition of Maharashtra. His life story is not limited to sculpture alone, but is an inspiring tale of hard work, dedication and cultural pride.
Mumbai, November 15, 2025 – Senior sculptor Ram Vanje Sutar, who has brought light to the cultural and artistic heritage of Maharashtra, has been awarded the state's highest honour, the 'Maharashtra Bhushan' award. This award is a tribute to his lifetime of artwork and his unparalleled contribution to Indian sculpture. The award will be presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis soon, and a wave of joy has spread in the art world of the state.
Ram Sutar is known as a man of the era in Indian sculpture. The magnificent statues he created have enhanced the pride of India all over the world. The 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat, the tallest statue in the world (182 meters), is an excellent example of his craftsmanship. This statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspired sculptors not only in India but also in the world. Apart from this, he has created statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and many other great men in Delhi. His hand-crafted sculptures show a vibrancy and emotional depth that is rare in ordinary sculptors.
While announcing the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, the state government lauded Sutar's contribution openly. "Ram Sutar has put the soil of Maharashtra on the world map. His sculptures are not just of stone, but of history and culture," said Chief Minister Fadnavis. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a memento and a citation. Last year, the award was given to veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, while earlier luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar have received this honour.
Ram Sutar was born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in Dhule district of Maharashtra. He was drawn to sculpture since childhood. After studying at the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai, he excelled in sculpture. In the 1950s, he started working independently and the sculptures in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi brought him national recognition. He played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Statue of Unity' project, in which he worked tirelessly even at the age of 94.
Sutar has previously received the Padma Bhushan (2016), Padma Shri (1999) and several other national and international awards. However, he is particularly happy that the Maharashtra Bhushan is an honour from his home state. "I am a son of the soil of Maharashtra. This award is for the contribution of my teachers and colleagues," Sutar said after the award was announced.
Artists, sculptors and the general public in Maharashtra have welcomed the decision. Students and professors of J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai congratulated Sutar. "His statues will inspire generations," said a student. Also, the hashtag #RamSutarMaharashtraBhushan is trending on social media, with many sharing photos of his statues and wishing him well.
The award ceremony will be held near the Gateway of India in Mumbai and will be attended by dignitaries from various fields of the state. This honour for Ram Sutar has given new strength to the artistic tradition of Maharashtra. His life story is not limited to sculpture alone, but is an inspiring tale of hard work, dedication and cultural pride.
Ram Sutar is known as a man of the era in Indian sculpture. The magnificent statues he created have enhanced the pride of India all over the world. The 'Statue of Unity' in Gujarat, the tallest statue in the world (182 meters), is an excellent example of his craftsmanship. This statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel inspired sculptors not only in India but also in the world. Apart from this, he has created statues of Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and many other great men in Delhi. His hand-crafted sculptures show a vibrancy and emotional depth that is rare in ordinary sculptors.
While announcing the Maharashtra Bhushan Award, the state government lauded Sutar's contribution openly. "Ram Sutar has put the soil of Maharashtra on the world map. His sculptures are not just of stone, but of history and culture," said Chief Minister Fadnavis. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 25 lakh, a memento and a citation. Last year, the award was given to veteran actor Vikram Gokhale, while earlier luminaries like Lata Mangeshkar and Sachin Tendulkar have received this honour.
Ram Sutar was born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in Dhule district of Maharashtra. He was drawn to sculpture since childhood. After studying at the J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai, he excelled in sculpture. In the 1950s, he started working independently and the sculptures in the Rashtrapati Bhavan in Delhi brought him national recognition. He played a key role in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Statue of Unity' project, in which he worked tirelessly even at the age of 94.
Sutar has previously received the Padma Bhushan (2016), Padma Shri (1999) and several other national and international awards. However, he is particularly happy that the Maharashtra Bhushan is an honour from his home state. "I am a son of the soil of Maharashtra. This award is for the contribution of my teachers and colleagues," Sutar said after the award was announced.
Artists, sculptors and the general public in Maharashtra have welcomed the decision. Students and professors of J.J. School of Arts in Mumbai congratulated Sutar. "His statues will inspire generations," said a student. Also, the hashtag #RamSutarMaharashtraBhushan is trending on social media, with many sharing photos of his statues and wishing him well.
The award ceremony will be held near the Gateway of India in Mumbai and will be attended by dignitaries from various fields of the state. This honour for Ram Sutar has given new strength to the artistic tradition of Maharashtra. His life story is not limited to sculpture alone, but is an inspiring tale of hard work, dedication and cultural pride.
