The art world mourns the loss of legendary sculptor Ram Sutar, the creative genius behind the world's tallest statue, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat. While the nation remembers him for this and the iconic Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament, Pune holds a special place in his legacy, awaiting the unveiling of what is perhaps one of his final monumental works.
A Final Monumental Gift for Pune
In the wake of Sutar's passing, his son, Dr. Anil Sutar, revealed that a significant work by the artist is yet to be inaugurated. This is a 100-foot-tall statue of Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj, installed atop a 40-foot-high museum-like building in Moshi, Pimpri-Chinchwad. "Our statue work is completed," confirmed Anil Sutar. The foundation and the building are currently being decorated, with the official inauguration pending.
Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village, Dhule district of Maharashtra, Ram Sutar began his sculpting journey in 1947. His talent was recognized early when he won a gold medal at Mumbai's prestigious JJ School of Art. His breakthrough came with works like the two statues for an Agricultural Fair at Delhi's Pragati Maidan, which captured the attention of both art connoisseurs and the government.
Ram Sutar's Enduring Imprint on Pune
Although Ram Sutar never made Pune his home, his artistic footprint is indelibly stamped across the city. Travelers are greeted by a majestic statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at the Pune airport. Another powerful equestrian statue of the Maratha warrior king stands guard at the Balewadi Stadium.
His diverse portfolio in the city includes a bust of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi near the Zoological Garden and a unique abstract sculpture representing energy at the Suzlon One Earth campus. Eminent artist Raju Sutar, who collaborated with him on the Suzlon project, recalls, "The sculpture was done by him and Anil. It's a sculpture in bronze, measuring 8 or 10 ft... He was very accommodating." Raju Sutar highlights the Gandhi statue in Parliament as an iconic work, describing it as "a huge sitting Gandhi with amazing emotions on his face."
Remembering the Gentle Giant of Indian Sculpture
Colleagues and admirers remember Ram Sutar not just for his grand scales but for his profound humility. Dr. Sudhakar Chavan, 81, former Head of the Department at Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalay, shared a fond memory: "I remember meeting him in Delhi at an exhibition. He was busy with his work but still spared some time for us. He was very polite and gentle... He had that quality of speaking very kindly with any young artist or student."
Raju Sutar also noted their creative exchanges, stating, "He was always thinking of figuration and I used to paint in abstraction, so we always had discussions about that." This willingness to engage and guide future generations cemented his status as a beloved figure in Indian art.
The impending unveiling of the Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj statue will serve as a lasting tribute to Ram Sutar's mastery. It symbolizes a final, magnificent gift from the sculptor to the state of his birth, ensuring that his legacy continues to inspire from the skies of Pune for generations to come.
