Piyush Goyal mourns Vummidi Ethiraj, craftsman behind sacred Sengol
Synopsis
Union Minister Piyush Goyal paid tribute to Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj, the craftsman whose family made the Sengol — presented to PM Nehru in 1947 and installed in India's new Parliament by PM Modi in 2023 — calling it a legacy of artistry, tradition, and national pride.
Key Takeaways
Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj , a distinguished craftsman linked to India's cultural heritage, has passed away.
His family crafted the Sengol , the sacred sceptre presented to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power at independence.
The same Sengol was installed in the new Parliament building by PM Narendra Modi in 2023 .
Union Minister Piyush Goyal expressed condolences on October 21, 2026 , calling the family's legacy one of 'artistry, tradition and national pride'.
The tribute highlights sustained governmental emphasis on foregrounding traditional Indian symbols and artisanal contributions in official spaces.
The man whose family's hands shaped one of independent India's most enduring symbols is gone. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal expressed deep condolences on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj, the distinguished craftsman whose family holds an extraordinary place in the country's artisanal and constitutional history.
The Sengol's journey from 1947 to Parliament's central hall
At the heart of Ethiraj's legacy stands the Sengol — the sacred sceptre crafted by the Vummidi family and presented to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power at the moment of India's independence. That single act of craftsmanship tied the family's name permanently to the founding of the Republic.
The story did not end there. In 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed the installation of the very same Sengol inside the new Parliament building, repositioning an artefact of colonial-era transition as a living emblem of India's democratic present. The Vummidi family's craft, forged in an earlier century, now greets every legislator who enters the central hall.
A legacy of artistry, tradition, and national pride
Minister Goyal's tribute described Ethiraj as 'a distinguished personality whose exceptional craftsmanship and contributions to preserving India's rich cultural heritage will always be remembered.' He specifically noted that the family's historic association with the Sengol 'reflects a remarkable legacy of artistry, tradition and national pride.'
The tribute closes with Om Shanti — a mark of solemn respect — and heartfelt condolences to Ethiraj's family and well-wishers. The sentiment is one of quiet, dignified recognition: a craftsman who never held office but whose work sits at the very seat of Indian democracy.
Point of View
Threading together the 1947 transfer of power, the 2023 Parliament inauguration, and a family of Tamil craftsmen into a single patriotic narrative. The Sengol's journey from Nehru's hand to Modi's Parliament has been central to the BJP's cultural-revival messaging, and honouring its maker reinforces that arc. Goyal's post signals that the government views hereditary artisanal traditions not merely as heritage, but as living constitutional symbols worth actively memorialising. Whether the Ministry of Culture or the Tamil Nadu government follows with formal recognition of the Vummidi family remains a significant open question.
NationPress
21 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj?
Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj was a distinguished Indian craftsman known for exceptional artistry and contributions to preserving India's cultural heritage. His family is most celebrated for crafting the Sengol, the sacred sceptre presented to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.
What is the Sengol and what is its significance?
The Sengol is a sacred sceptre rooted in South Indian tradition, crafted by the Vummidi family and presented to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 as a symbol of the transfer of power at Indian independence. In 2023, PM Narendra Modi installed it in the new Parliament building.
Why was the Sengol placed in the new Parliament building?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi installed the Sengol in the new Parliament building in 2023 to honour its historical significance as a symbol of India's transfer of power in 1947 and to anchor a traditional Indian artefact at the seat of the country's democracy.
What did Piyush Goyal say about Vummidi Ethiraj's passing?
Minister Piyush Goyal said he was 'deeply saddened' by the demise, describing Ethiraj as a 'distinguished personality' whose craftsmanship and cultural contributions 'will always be remembered'. He called the family's Sengol legacy a reflection of 'artistry, tradition and national pride'.
What is the Vummidi family's connection to the Indian Parliament?
The Vummidi family crafted the Sengol that was presented to PM Nehru in 1947, and that same Sengol was installed inside India's new Parliament building by PM Modi in 2023, making the family's artisanal work a permanent part of the country's central legislative complex.
