Who is Arun Yogiraj? The sculpture behind Ram Lalla idol at Ram Mandir, Ayodhya

Arun Yogiraj, hailing from a lineage of five generations of renowned sculptors in Mysore, has emerged as the most sought-after sculptor in the nation. His exceptional talent has garnered attention from various states, with demand surging for his skill in crafting statues of achievers. Even the Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has expressed appreciation for Arun's artistic prowess.

Arun's familial connection to sculpting traces back to his father, Yogiraj, and grandfather, Basavanna Shilpi, who received patronage from the King of Mysore. Arun, who exhibited a natural inclination for carving from childhood, briefly diverted his path after completing an MBA to work in a private company. However, his innate passion for sculpting prevailed, leading him to resume his carving career in 2008.

One of Arun's notable creations is the 30 feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, positioned prominently behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti near the India Gate. This masterpiece, commissioned ahead of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's 125th birth anniversary, fulfilled Prime Minister Modi's wish to honor the freedom fighter's contributions. Arun's dedication was further acknowledged when he gifted a two-feet tall statue of Subhash Chandra Bose to the Prime Minister.

Arun's portfolio includes diverse sculptures such as a 12 feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, a 21 feet tall Hanuman statue in Chunchanakatte, a 15 feet tall statue of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, and a white amritashila statue of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in Mysore, among others. His work has received accolades from various organizations and the royal family of Mysore.

Awards and recognitions have added to Arun's prestige, including a personal appreciation by Kofi Annan, the Former Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Nalwadi award 2020 by Mysore District Administration, and honorary membership by The Crafts Council of Karnataka in 2021. He has also been honored by government authorities, sports academies, and trusts.

Arun's impressive list of commissions includes the 28 feet monolithic black granite stone sculpture of Subhash Chandra Bose for India Gate, the 21 feet monolithic stone sculpture of Hanuman in Hoysala style for Chunchanakatte, and various statues installed at significant locations such as ISRO in Bangalore and temples across the country. His craftsmanship reflects a deep commitment to his art and a profound appreciation for the cultural and historical figures he portrays.