Nehru received the sengol from priests of Tamil Nadu's Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam on the night of August 14, 1947. PM Modi ceremonially installed it in the new Parliament building on May 28, 2023.
PM Modi with Vummidi Ethiraj.
Chennai,Oct 21, 2026 22:32 IST
Vummidi Ethiraj, the jeweller who helped craft the historic sengol presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and later installed in the new Parliament building, died in Chennai on Wednesday. He was 99.
President Droupadi Murmu, Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were among the leaders who paid tribute to Ethiraj, whose family owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
Born on November 25, 1926, Ethiraj was 20 when he helped make the gold-plated silver sceptre at the time of Independence.
Nehru received the sengol from priests of Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvaduthurai Adheenam on the night of August 14, 1947. PM Modi ceremonially installed it in the new Parliament building on May 28, 2023.
PRESIDENT, PM MODI PAY TRIBUTE
Murmu described Ethiraj as a distinguished craftsperson whose work became part of a defining moment in India’s history.
“His work stands as a testament to the excellence of India’s traditional arts,” she said, offering condolences to his family and admirers.
PM Modi said Ethiraj would be remembered for his contribution to crafting the sengol.
“Deeply saddened by the passing of Thiru Vummidi Ethiraj Ji. Hailing from a distinguished family based in Tamil Nadu, he will always be remembered for his efforts in crafting the historic sengol that was presented to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru,” he wrote on X.
Radhakrishnan said Ethiraj’s work on the sengol would be remembered with respect and gratitude.
Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and state BJP president Nainar Nagenthran also conveyed their condolences.
Ethiraj is survived by his three children, Vijaya Bharathi, Uday Kumar Vummidi and Vijayendren Vummidi. His wife, Sumitra Vummidi, predeceased him.
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