CHENNAI: Leading jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, who played a key role in crafting the historic ‘sengol’, died in Chennai on Wednesday, October 21, at the age of 99, news agency PTI reported.He is survived by his three children, Vijaya Bharathi, Uday Kumar Vummidi and Vijayendren Vummidi. His wife, Sumitra Vummidi, predeceased him.“With deep sorrow, we inform you of the sad demise of our beloved Shri Vummidi Ethiraj Garu on 21st October 2026,” the noted jeweller’s publicist said in a social media post.“May we come together to honour his life, cherish his memories, and pray for his peaceful onward journey,” he added.Born on November 25, 1926, Ethiraj was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.President Droupadi Murmu, vice-president C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled his death and paid tribute to his contribution to India’s heritage.Murmu said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Shri Vummidi Ethiraj Ji, a distinguished craftsperson whose work became part of a defining moment in India’s history. His craft in creating the Sengol has given him a lasting place in India’s civilisational heritage. His work stands as a testament to the excellence of India’s traditional arts. My heartfelt condolences to his family members and admirers.”Radhakrishnan said Ethiraj’s efforts in crafting the historic Sengol would always be remembered with respect and gratitude.Modi said in a post on X, “Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji. 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 (Jawaharlal) Nehru.”Tamil Nadu governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Ethiraj played a historic role in the making of the sacred sengol in 1947, at the age of 20.“His contribution to the creation of the sengol, a timeless symbol of India’s civilisational heritage, righteous governance and the transfer of power at the dawn of Independence, will always be remembered with reverence and pride,” the governor added.
Crafted at the time of Independence
Ethiraj was involved in the creation of the sengol, a gold-plated silver sceptre that symbolised the transfer of power from British rule to independent India in 1947, PTI reported.On the night of August 14, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru received the sengol from the Adheenams (priests) of the Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam (Mutt) in Tamil Nadu, who had specially arrived for the occasion.Crafted by Vummidi Jewellers at the time of Independence, the sengol was ceremonially installed in the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023.Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthran also conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family, saying Ethiraj lived as a testament to traditional jewellery art and brought glory to the nation.(With inputs from PTI)
