PM Modi, Vice-President condole death of Sengol craftsman Vummidi Ethiraj

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and VicePresident CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday expressed grief over the demise of Vummidi Ethiraj the craftsman who designed the historic Sengol presented to Indiarsquos first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947Ethiraj born on November 25 1926 passed away on October 21 He was the patriarch of the Vummidi family which owns the 125yearold Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers news agency ANI reportedIn a post on X Prime Minister Modi condoled his death and remembered his contribution to Indiarsquos cultural heritageI am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shri Vummidi Ethiraj Hailing from a traditional family with roots in Tamil Nadu he will always be remembered for designing the historic Sengol sceptre that was presented to the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru Many years later in 2023 our government had the privilege of according the Sengol its due honour in the new Parliament building On that occasion I had the good fortune to meet Shri Vummidi Ethiraj and express my gratitude for his contributions to our nation and culture His life and artistic craftsmanship reflect a remarkable connection between Indiarsquos proud rich heritage and the nationrsquos ongoing journey of development I extend my deepest condolences to his family and wellwishers Om Shanti PM Modi wroteDeeply saddened by the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji Hailing from a distinguished family based in Tamil Nadu he will always be remembered for his efforts in crafting the historic Sengol that was presented to Former Prime Minister Nehru Many years later in 2023 it was our Government which had the honour of giving the Sengol a place of pride in the new Parliament building During that time I had the honour of meeting Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji and expressing gratitude for what he has done for our nation and culture His life and craftsmanship represent a remarkable connection between Indias glorious traditions and our national journey My heartfelt condolences to his family and admirers Om Shanti 2023 mdash Narendra Modi narendramodi October 21 2026The VicePresident also mourned Ethirajrsquos demise acknowledging his role in crafting the Sengol and his contribution to Indiarsquos jewellerymaking traditionsDeeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ummidi Ethiraj whose efforts in crafting the historic Sengol a sacred symbol of Indiarsquos civilisational heritage will always be remembered with respect and gratitude he wrote in a post on XVicePresident Keshav Prasad Maurya and Tamil Nadu Governor mourn Sengol craftsmanrsquos deathDeeply saddened by the demise of Shri Ummidi Ethiraj whose efforts in crafting the historic Sengol a sacred symbol of Indiarsquos civilisational heritage will always be remembered with respect and gratitude His invaluable contribution to preserving Indiarsquos rich tradition of jewellery craftsmanship leaves behind an enduring legacy My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved onesmdash VicePresident of India VPIndia October 21 2026His invaluable contribution to preserving Indiarsquos rich tradition of jewellery craftsmanship leaves behind an enduring legacy My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones the post readUttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also condoled the craftsmanrsquos death recalling his significant contribution to the creation of the historic SengolIn a post on X Maurya said The news of the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj ji who made a significant contribution to the creation of the historic lsquoSengolrsquo is deeply saddening His contribution toward preserving Indiarsquos rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship traditions will always be remembered My deepest condolences go out to the bereaved familyI pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place at His feet to the departed soul and to provide the grieving family with the strength and fortitude to endure this immense loss Om Shanti Maurya wroteTamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar also paid tribute to Ethiraj recalling his historic role in the making of the Sengol around the time of IndependenceTamil Nadu Governor recalls Ethirajrsquos role in crafting Sengol in 1947In a statement issued by Lok Bhavan Tamil Nadu Arlekar said Thiru Vummidi Ethirajulu who played a historic role in the making of the sacred Sengol in 1947 at the young age of 20 has passed awayHis contribution to the creation of the Sengol a timeless symbol of Indiarsquos civilisational heritage righteous governance and the transfer of power at the dawn of Independence will always be remembered with reverence and pride His life and craftsmanship have become part of a significant chapter in our nationrsquos history the X post readI extend my heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and pray that they find strength and solace in this hour of grief May his soul attain eternal peace it addedThe Sengol a traditional sceptre was presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 In 2023 it was installed in the new Parliament building and accorded a place of honour as a symbol of Indiarsquos civilisational heritage and the transfer of power at IndependenceWith ANI inputs