Ram V. Sutar, an 89-year-old sculptor known for designing scores of large monuments in his native India, is observing construction on two statues in the western part of the country to honor a pair of historical figures. Besides making a political statement, the works are intended to “commemorate the icons and enhance tourism,” he said.
Both statues, when completed, will stand among the tallest in the world. As planned at present, there is a difference in height of around 10 meters between the two. However, an engineer hinted that this detail could likely change. “The challenge is to give each statue a lasting memory," he said. "These are two legends and there are sentiments attached to each. One cannot be taller than another.”