IndiaPosted at: Oct 21 2026 2:48PM


PM Modi mourns Vummidi Ethiraj, craftsman behind historic Sengol presented to Nehru

New Delhi, Oct 21 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday expressed grief over the death of Vummidi Ethiraj, paying tribute to his craftsmanship in creating the historic Sengol presented to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and his contribution to preserving India’s cultural heritage.
In a message posted on the social media platform X, Modi said he was “deeply saddened” by Ethiraj’s passing and recalled the significance of the ceremonial sceptre in India’s national history. “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,” the Prime Minister said.
Modi also highlighted his government’s decision to install the Sengol in the new Parliament building in 2023, saying it had been an honour to give the historic artefact a place of prominence in the country’s legislature. “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,” he said.
Recalling his meeting with Ethiraj during the installation of the Sengol, Modi said he had personally expressed gratitude for the craftsman’s contribution to the nation and its cultural traditions. “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,” he said.
Describing Ethiraj’s legacy as a connection between India’s civilisational traditions and its national journey, Modi said his work represented “a remarkable connection between India's glorious traditions and our national journey”. He also conveyed his condolences to Ethiraj’s bereaved family and admirers with a message “Om Shanti”.
The Sengol, a ceremonial sceptre associated with the transfer of power and the traditions of governance, was installed near the Speaker’s seat in the Lok Sabha chamber of the new Parliament building in May 2023. The government presented the installation as a recognition of India’s civilisational heritage and the historical symbolism of the sceptre.
The Sengol’s association with the transfer of power from British rule to independent India in 1947, including its presentation to Nehru, has been central to its renewed public prominence. Its installation in Parliament in 2023 brought the artefact back into the national spotlight, with the government describing it as a symbol linking India’s historical traditions with its democratic institutions. UNI SKA AAB
Tags: #PM Modi mourns Vummidi Ethiraj# craftsman behind historic Sengol presented to Nehru
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