Veteran Sculptor Ram Sutar Honoured with 2024 Maharashtra Bhushan Following RTI Push
Moneylife Digital Team 21 March 2025
The prestigious 2024 Maharashtra Bhushan Award has been conferred upon Ram Sutar, the celebrated sculptor behind iconic works such as the ‘Statue of Unity’. The announcement was made by Maharashtra chief minister (CM) Devendra Fadnavis in the legislative assembly and deputy CM (DCM) Eknath Shinde in the legislative council.
 
The decision to honour the veteran sculptor came in the wake of a right to information (RTI) disclosure by activist Anil Galgali, whose persistent efforts compelled the state government to expedite the selection process.
 
The RTI activist had filed a query seeking clarification on the delay in announcing the 2024 Maharashtra Bhushan Award. Following Mr Galgali’s continued follow-up, CM Fadnavis convened an urgent meeting to address the matter. Subsequently, the award committee, chaired by the CM, met on 12 March 2025 and finalised Mr Sutar’s name for the accolade.
 
The Maharashtra Bhushan Award is the state’s highest civilian honour and includes a cash prize of Rs25 lakh, along with a citation, a memento, and a shawl. 
 
Mr Galgali expressed his gratitude to CM Fadnavis for promptly addressing the issue.
 
Mr Galgali’s RTI application not only brought attention to the delay but also served as a powerful reminder of how public inquiries can prompt government action. The activist’s determination ensured that the long-pending decision was brought to light, reaffirming the importance of transparency and public accountability.
 
Ram Sutar, revered for his monumental sculptures and invaluable contributions to Indian art, expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the recognition. With this honour, the state has once again acknowledged the legacy of one of India’s most distinguished sculptors.
 
Mr Sutar is a Gold medalist from JJ School of Art in Mumbai. He works with ease and mastery in bronze. He has a mastery of realistic sculptures and has been recognised by various countries and artists worldwide.
 
His bust of Mahatma Gandhi has been highly appreciated and has been selected for installation in more than 450 cities all over the world, including France, US, Italy, Argentina, Barbados, Russia, England, Malaysia, Caracas, Germany, Australia, China, Egypt, Poland, South Africa and many more.
Comments
Wrestler Virender Singh Wins RTI Battle: CIC Orders Disclosure of Khel Ratna Selection Process
Vinita Deshmukh, 19 March 2025
Virender Singh, a celebrated Deaflympics athlete, professional wrestler, and Padma Shri awardee who filed a right to information (RTI) application seeking details of the selection process for the prestigious Major Dhyan Chand Khel...
SFIO Must Publicly Declare Companies, Individuals against Whom Action Has Been Approved by MCA, Rules CIC
Vinita Deshmukh, 12 March 2025
A right to information (RTI) applicant seeking information on those investigation reports by the serious fraud investigation office (SFIO), which have been completed by investigative officers, has got some respite from the central...
Citing a Matter as ‘Sub-judice’ Does Not Automatically Exempt It from Disclosure under the RTI Act: CIC to I-T Dept
Vinita Deshmukh, 06 March 2025
The Right to Information (RTI) request to the income-tax (I-T) commissioner’s office, wherein the applicant demanded copies of his own audit report, has been prolonging for over three years, thanks to this public authority’s...
Author Files RTI over Copyright Infringement and Alleged Legal Irregularities for His Books, Gets Little Respite
Vinita Deshmukh, 27 February 2025
Author Dibya Das, who writes under the pen name Kollorob, invoked the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the central public information officer (CPIO) of the department of consumer affairs, seeking details on an ongoing copyright...
Array
Free Helpline
Legal Credit
Feedback