NEW DELHI: “The sculpture of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar inside the Parliament building is close to my heart,” renowned sculptor Naresh Kumawat told The New Indian while attending the ‘Leonardo da Vinci: The Great Artist of the Year 2023-24’ Award Ceremony, hosted by Kalakunj Foundation on December 25 at Kala Sankul.
Speaking to The New Indian, Kumawat expressed his joy at being part of the event, stating, “It is a great honor for me to be with more than 228 artisans, out of whom 68 have been selected for awards, and I personally felicitated 28 of them.
Being from the same community of artisans, it’s always an honor to be among them. I am thankful to Rajni Ji (founder and director of the Kala Kunj Foundation) for inviting me to this function.”
When asked about his motivation for sculpting Ratan Tata’s statue, Kumawat remarked, “Ratan Tata is a legend who has sculpted this country’s growth and inspired all of us. Creating his sculptures has been a privilege, and I am fortunate that The Tata Group approached me for more works after articles written by The New Indian highlighted my work.”
Kumawat also reflected on his contributions to the New Parliament building, including the idea of sculpting Samudra Manthan, statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. “It’s a great opportunity to meet the country’s top office.When Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated our work for the New Parliament, it was a moment of pride for all artisans involved,” he said.
Looking ahead, Kumawat shared insights into his upcoming projects, including a 151-foot Hanuman statue in Nagpur, 34ft. Shiva statue in Canada and metal work in inner pargoda of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. “We are working on multiple abstract and monumental projects across the country and abroad,” he added. On an emotional note, he highlighted the 19-foot tall Dr. B.R. Ambedkar statue installed inside the Parliament building. It’s a great gesture by the Prime Minister to honor Babasaheb by placing his statue inside the Parliament,” Kumawat said.
For aspiring artisans, Kumawat’s message was clear: “Hard work pays off. Art comes from the heart, so work for self-pleasure rather than commercial gain.”
Naresh Kumar Kumawat, a celebrated Indian sculptor from Rajasthan, has made a significant mark in the world of art with his extraordinary creations. Hailing from BITS Pilani, Rajasthan, Kumawat has dedicated his life to crafting sculptures that blend cultural heritage with artistic brilliance.
With over 3,000 sculptures to his name, Naresh Kumawat’s works span religious, cultural, and public spaces. He is globally recognized, having created more than 200 sculptures in 80 countries. His remarkable contributions include iconic projects like the “Samudra Manthan” inside India’s new Parliament building, symbolizing the churning of ideas for societal welfare.
Some of his other renowned works include Namo Ghat, Kabir Chauraha, the statue of Parshuram, and the only statue of Nishad Raj alongside Lord Ram. He is also the creator of the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva, cementing his reputation as a master of monumental art.