Jeweller who crafted Sengol for Parliament dies at 99
· India · Hindustan Times, Indian Express
Vummidi Ethiraj, 99, patriarch of the Vummidi family that owns Chennai-based Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, died on Wednesday. The artisan crafted the historic Sengol presented to former Prime Minister Nehru in 1947. PM Modi and Vice President CP Radhakrishnan condoled his death, recalling his role in the 2023 installation of the Sengol in the new Parliament building. Ethiraj’s craftsmanship was highlighted as a link between India's traditional jewellery art and the nation's parliamentary journey.
Why it matters
The death marks the loss of the master craftsman behind the Sengol, the ceremonial sceptre installed in the new Parliament in 2023 as a symbol of India's democratic traditions. His family-owned Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a 125-year-old institution, now faces the transition of leadership after his passing.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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