New Delhi, Dec. 18 -- Noted sculptor Ram Sutar, the artist behind the Statue of Unity in Gujarat - the world's tallest statue - passed away late on Wednesday night at his residence in Noida, his family said. He was 100 and had been unwell for some time due to age-related ailments.

Confirming his death, his son Anil Sutar said in a statement shared with the press on Thursday: "It is with profound grief that we inform you of the passing of my father Shri Ram Vanji Sutar on 17th December midnight at our residence."

Born on February 19, 1925, in Gondur village in Maharashtra's Dhule district, Sutar discovered his passion for sculpting at a young age. From modest beginnings, he went on to become one of India's most celebrated artists, earnin...