Chennai Jeweller Vummidi Ethiraj, Architect of 1947 Sengol, Dies at 99

Vummidi Ethiraj, a renowned jeweller from Chennai, died on October 21 at the age of 99. The 1947 Sengol, a symbol of India’s transfer of power, was crafted with his expertise and presented to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru during the country’s independence ceremony. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Governor of Tamil Nadu paid tribute to Ethiraj’s contribution to this historic artefact. The Sengol, now displayed in the new Parliament building, remains a potent reminder of India’s journey to sovereignty.