Vummidi Ethiraj, Sengol Craftsman, Dies at 99

Vummidi Ethiraj, the jeweller credited with helping craft the Sengol presented to Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947, died on October 21, 2026, at age 99, according to reports. His death prompted tributes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other Indian officials, who praised his craftsmanship and his role in making the ceremonial sceptre. Modi said he had met Ethiraj in 2023, when the Sengol was installed in the new Parliament building, and had thanked him for his contribution. The prime minister said Ethiraj would be remembered for his efforts in crafting the artefact, which was presented to Nehru as India approached independence. Vice-President C. P. Radhakrishnan also mourned Ethiraj, citing his contribution to the Sengol and to India’s jewellery-making traditions. President Droupadi Murmu said his craft in creating the sceptre had secured him a place in India’s heritage. Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said Ethiraj played a role in making the Sengol in 1947, when he was 20. The Sengol is a gold-plated silver sceptre associated with the transfer of power from British rule to Indian leadership. On the night of August 14, 1947, priests from the Thiruvaduthurai...