Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 21 October 2026 expressed deep grief over the passing of Vummidi Ethiraj, the master craftsman behind the historic Sengol — the sacred sceptre presented to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru at Independence and installed in the new Parliament building in 2023. Ethiraj, who was born on 25 November 1926, passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy that spans the country's birth as a nation and its most recent chapter of parliamentary history.

A Craftsman at the Intersection of History

The Sengol was created by the Chennai-based Vummidi Bangaru Chetty family and formally presented to Nehru in 1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power. For decades, the sceptre remained out of public prominence before receiving renewed national attention ahead of the inauguration of the new Parliament building. On 28 May 2023, the Sengol was installed near the Lok Sabha Speaker's chair, connecting a moment of post-colonial statecraft with contemporary parliamentary identity.

Modi's Condolence Message

Prime Minister Modi issued his condolence message in both English and Tamil, acknowledging Ethiraj's membership of a distinguished family rooted in Tamil Nadu. He described Ethiraj as someone whose work would be remembered for helping create an object closely tied to India's journey to Independence. Modi also recalled meeting the veteran craftsman personally when the Sengol regained national attention during Parliament's inauguration preparations, calling that meeting an opportunity to thank Ethiraj directly for his service to the nation and its culture.

Personal Acknowledgement and Public Legacy

The Prime Minister noted that the decision to install the Sengol in Parliament was an honour for his government, adding that it brought the sceptre's history and craftsmanship before a new generation of Indians. His tribute underscored the connection between traditional artistic skill and the country's national story. Modi concluded his message by extending condolences to the craftsman's family and admirers, ending with the prayer 'Om Shanti'.

Why This Recognition Matters

Ethiraj's life and work represent a broader, often overlooked dimension of Independence-era history — the skilled artisans whose labour gave physical form to the ideals and rituals of nationhood. The renewed prominence of the Sengol in 2023 bridged a near-76-year gap between the moment of craftsmanship and its public recognition. Notably, this acknowledgement came not through academic or museum channels but through the highest office in the land, placing individual artisanal contribution at the centre of the national narrative. Ethiraj's passing marks the end of a direct, living link to 1947 for the Vummidi family and for the cultural memory the Sengol carries.