Celebrated Indian sculptor Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak has been honoured with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his outstanding contributions to the field of Art. Known for transforming stone into symbols of national pride and heritage, Gadanayak has redefined modern Indian sculpture through his monumental works and visionary leadership.
Born in Neulapoi village in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, Adwaita Gadanayak rose from humble beginnings to become one of India’s most respected sculptors. His most iconic creations include the towering Salt March statue of Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat, the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose statue at India Gate, and the National Police Memorial sculpture in New Delhi. These works not only adorn India’s national landscape but also evoke the spirit of its freedom and sacrifice.
Currently serving as the Director General of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), Gadanayak has played a pivotal role in making contemporary art more accessible to the public while preserving India’s artistic legacy.
Reacting to the honour, he said:
“This recognition belongs to the people of India. My journey with stone is spiritual—it speaks to me, teaches me, and has shaped my life.”
In 2024, Gadanayak was also conferred the Padma Shri, and this year’s Padma Bhushan further acknowledges his lifetime of dedication, passion, and contribution to the arts.
Art critics and peers across the country have lauded the award, calling Gadanayak a “national treasure” and “a sculptor who gives shape to India’s soul.”
With the Padma Bhushan, the nation salutes Shri Adwaita Charan Gadanayak for sculpting not just monuments, but timeless reflections of India’s history, values, and identity.
