Vishwakarma Shakti Sangh Foundation

Ram V. Suthar, born on 19 February 1925 in Gondur village, Dhule district, Maharashtra, is regarded as one of the greatest sculptors in the history of modern India. From childhood he showed a deep interest in art, forms, and working with wood and stone. Very early in life he chose sculpture as his true calling. He later entered the Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai, and in 1953 completed a Diploma in Modeling (Sculpture). For his excellence he was awarded the Mayo Gold Medal. In 1952, he married Pramila Suthar; their son Anil Sutharwould later become a renowned sculptor as well.

Between 1954 and 1958, Suthar worked with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), contributing significantly to the restoration of the ancient Ajanta and Ellora caves. This phase strengthened his technical mastery and patience, laying the foundation for the monumental projects he would later undertake.

In 1959, he moved to Delhi and joined the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting as a Technical Assistant (Modeling). However, he soon resigned to pursue a career as an independent sculptor. His first major independent project was the 45-feet tall “Chambal Monument” at the Gandhi Sagar Dam in Madhya Pradesh, carved out of a single stone. The sculpture impressed Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru so deeply that he recommended Suthar for several national memorial projects.

From 1960 to 2000, Suthar played a pivotal role in shaping monumental public sculpture in India. He created hundreds of statues of great national figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Govind Ballabh Pant, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Jawaharlal Nehru, Buddha, Swami Vivekananda, and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Many of these have been installed across the world. His statues of Mahatma Gandhi, in particular, stand in numerous countries as symbols of peace and friendship.

His work is distinguished by clarity of expression, mastery over large-scale compositions, and exceptional bronze casting. Over time, he became synonymous with monumental sculpture in India.

In 1999, he was honored with the Padma Shri, and in 2016, with the Padma Bhushan, establishing him as one of the most respected sculptors in the country.

The greatest milestone of his life came when he was entrusted with designing the Statue of Unity in the 2010s. The final model approved for execution was based on his design. On 31 October 2018, the world’s tallest statue—the 182-meter-high statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel—was inaugurated. It stands today as a breathtaking blend of art, engineering, and national pride.

In 2024–2025, even after entering his 100th year, Suthar remains active. In 2024, the Government of Maharashtra honored him with the Maharashtra Bhushan Award. His studio, Ram Suthar Fine Arts, is among the largest and most advanced sculpture studios in India.

Lessons for the Youth:
Ram Suthar’s life teaches that talent alone is not enough—continuous hard work and the will to learn matter far more.
He proved that even someone from a small village can rise to global heights with unwavering dedication.
His journey shows that age is never a barrier; even at 100 he continues to work passionately.
Above all, he teaches that true art emerges when one pours honesty, patience, and a lifetime of devotion into it.