New Delhi, Oct 21 (PTI) Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan on Wednesday condoled the demise of veteran jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, saying his efforts in crafting the historic Sengol will always be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Ethiraj, patriarch of the Vummidi family that owns 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, passed away in Chennai on Wednesday at the age of 99.
In a social media post, the vice-president said Ethiraj’s invaluable contribution to preserving India’s rich tradition of jewellery craftsmanship leaves behind an enduring legacy.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” he wrote.
Sengol was presented to the first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, when the country attained Independence in 1947. It was placed in the new Parliament building in 2023.
Crafted by Vummidi Jewellers in 1947, the Sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre created by Ethiraj, symbolised the transfer of power from British rule to independent India.
On the night of August 14, 1947, priests from Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam Mutt specially travelled to Delhi to present the historic sceptre to Jawaharlal Nehru at the exact moment of Independence.
Decades later, on May 28, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ceremonially installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building. PTI NAB RUK
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