On March 12, 2025, celebrated sculptor Ram Sutar, renowned for designing the Statue of Unity, was honored with the prestigious Maharashtra Bhushan Award. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis made the announcement in the Legislative Assembly after Sutar’s selection by a unanimous committee. At 100 years old, Sutar continues to contribute to India’s artistic legacy, with a new assignment to create a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for Chaityabhoomi in Mumbai.

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• Ram Sutar awarded Maharashtra Bhushan for his contributions to art and sculpture.
• The decision was announced by CM Devendra Fadnavis on March 12, 2025.
• Sutar is best known for designing the Statue of Unity, the world’s tallest statue, located in Gujarat.
• At 100 years old, Sutar continues to work, now sculpting a statue of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar for Chaityabhoomi, Mumbai.
• Sutar has previously received the Padma Shri (1999) and Padma Bhushan (2016).
• The Maharashtra Bhushan Award is the highest civilian honor in Maharashtra.
• It includes a cash prize of ₹25 lakh, a memento, and a citation.
• The award recognizes outstanding achievements across various fields, including art, literature, and social work.
• The award was first instituted in 1995 and awarded annually since 1996.
• Winners are selected by a committee appointed by the Maharashtra government.