Arun Yogiraj: Celebrated Sculptor of India’s Most Iconic Statues

Arun Yogiraj, born in 1983 in Mysore, Karnataka, is a distinguished Indian sculptor whose works have earned him national acclaim. Known for his intricate and monumental sculptures, Arun has left a significant mark on India’s artistic landscape.

Early Life and Education

Arun hails from Agrahara, Mysore, and belongs to a family with a rich legacy of sculpting that spans five generations. His father, Yogiraj Shilpi, and grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi, were both renowned sculptors. Arun’s journey in art began early, influenced by this deep-rooted tradition.

He completed his MBA from TTL College of Business Management, Mysore, and initially worked in a private company. However, his passion for sculpting led him to pursue it full-time from 2008. Despite facing personal loss, including the passing of his father while working on the Subhash Chandra Bose statue in October 2021, Arun remained committed to his craft.

Notable Works

Arun Yogiraj’s portfolio boasts several iconic sculptures:

• Ram Lalla Idol: Installed at Ayodhya’s Ram Temple, this statue of the child form of Hindu god Rama is one of his most revered works.
• Subhash Chandra Bose Statue: A 30-feet statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose is prominently displayed at the India Gate in New Delhi, installed ahead of Bose’s 125th birth anniversary.
• Adi Shankaracharya Statue: This 12-feet tall 3-D statue is located in Kedarnath.
• Hanuman Statue: Standing at 21 feet, this sculpture can be seen at Chunchanakatte in Mysore district.
• Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Sculpture: A 15-feet tall sculpture, inaugurated in 2018 by the then Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, in Mysuru.

Other notable works include the white amritashila statue of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, the 6-feet statues of Nandi and Banashankari Devi, and the 14.5-feet tall statue of Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, unveiled in 2016.

Awards and Honors

Arun Yogiraj’s contributions to sculpture have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• South Zone Young Artist Award (2014) by the Government of India.
• Rajyotsava Prashasti by Mysuru District Administration.
• Jakanachari Award (2021) by the Karnataka Government.
• Shilpa Kousthubha Honorific by the Sculptors Association.

Arun’s dedication to his art and his remarkable achievements have made him a celebrated figure in Indian sculpture. His works not only reflect his skill but also contribute to India’s rich cultural heritage.

For more information about Arun Yogiraj and his works, visit arunyogiraj.com.