Vummidi Ethiraj, Craftsman Who Made the Historic Sengol, Dies; PM Modi Pays Tribute
Vummidi Ethiraj, the craftsman who designed the historic Sengol presented to India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, in 1947, has died. He was born on November 25, 1926, and passed away on October 21, a month short of his 100th birthday. Ethiraj was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya and Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar were among those who paid tribute.
PM MODI: ‘A REMARKABLE CONNECTION’
In a post on X, PM Modi said he was “deeply saddened” and remembered Ethiraj as hailing from a traditional family with roots in Tamil Nadu. He recalled that in 2023 his government had the privilege of according the Sengol its due honour in the new Parliament building, and that he had the good fortune of meeting Ethiraj then to thank him for his contribution to the nation and its culture.
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“His life and artistic craftsmanship reflect a remarkable connection between India’s proud, rich heritage and the nation’s ongoing journey of development,” PM Modi wrote. He extended his condolences to the family and well-wishers.
VICE-PRESIDENT: ‘A SACRED SYMBOL’
Radhakrishnan said Ethiraj’s efforts in crafting the Sengol, which he called “a sacred symbol of India’s civilisational heritage,” would always be remembered with respect and gratitude. He added that his contribution to preserving India’s tradition of jewellery craftsmanship “leaves behind an enduring legacy.”
GOVERNOR: A ROLE MADE AT 20
In a statement from Lok Bhavan, Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Ethiraj had played a historic role in making the sacred Sengol in 1947, at the age of 20. He called the sceptre a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational heritage, righteous governance and the transfer of power at the dawn of Independence. Ethiraj’s life and craftsmanship, he said, had become part of a significant chapter in the nation’s history.
MAURYA: ‘WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED’
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the news was deeply saddening and that Ethiraj’s contribution to preserving India’s cultural heritage and craftsmanship traditions would always be remembered. He prayed for the departed soul and for strength for the bereaved family.
THE SENGOL
The Sengol is a traditional sceptre. It was presented to Nehru in 1947 and installed in the new Parliament building in 2023, where it holds a place of honour as a symbol of India’s civilisational heritage and the transfer of power at Independence.
With inputs from ANI