Vummidi Ethiraj, the master craftsman who played a pivotal role in creating the historic Sengol presented to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, has passed away at the age of 99. His passing marks the end of an era for traditional Indian craftsmanship and jewellery artistry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared a heartfelt condolence message on social media, remembering his remarkable contributions and extending deepest sympathies to his grieving family and admirers.
The Legacy of the Historic Sengol
Hailing from a distinguished and respected family based in Tamil Nadu, Vummidi Ethiraj will forever be etched in history for his intricate work in crafting the legendary Sengol. This ceremonial sceptre served as a profound symbol of the transfer of power during India's independence and gained renewed prominence in 2023 when it was ceremoniously installed inside the new Parliament building. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted in his tribute that Ethiraj's dedication to preserving and executing such an monumental cultural artifact will always be remembered by the nation.
Tributes From National Leaders
Following the news of his demise, leaders from across the political spectrum expressed profound grief over the loss of the veteran artisan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Vice President CP Radhakrishnan led the nation in mourning, offering heartfelt tributes to the craftsman's enduring legacy. Tributes highlighted how his meticulous artistry connected modern India with its ancient traditions through the timeless creation of the Sengol.
About By the Way
While contextualized within broader cultural milestones, 'By the Way' stands as the eighth studio album by the iconic American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, released on July 9, 2002, through Warner Bros. Records. The album achieved massive commercial success by selling over 286,000 copies in its opening week and peaking at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. It produced several memorable hit singles including the title track 'By the Way', 'The Zephyr Song', 'Can't Stop', and 'Universally Speaking', alongside 'Dosed' which was released as a promotional single in the United States and Canada. The lyrical themes explored by vocalist Anthony Kiedis marked a significant artistic departure from previous records, showcasing a much more candid, introspective, and reflective approach to songwriting.
Public Reaction
Social media users responded to the Prime Minister's announcement with an outpouring of respect, prayers, and tributes for the departed artisan. Many citizens expressed their condolences and acknowledged the immense historical significance of the work he left behind.
