PM Modi Praises Sikkim Sculptor for Lifelike Statue of His Late Mother

Sikkim’s talented sculptor Jay Kumar Rai has recently been honored with heartfelt appreciation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for creating a beautiful and lifelike sculpture of the Prime Minister’s late mother, Heeraben Modi. This recognition highlights Rai’s exceptional artistic skills, dedication, and the emotional depth captured in his work, which has earned widespread admiration across India.

Jay Kumar Rai hails from Zoom-Sisney, a village under the Zoom-Salghari assembly constituency in Sikkim, and is the son of Parti Bahadur Rai. His sculpture of Heeraben Modi, who passed away in December 2022, is distinguished not only by its remarkable resemblance but also by the profound respect and emotion conveyed through its intricate details. The statue stands as a tribute to the late Heeraben Modi and reflects Rai’s ability to immortalize personal and cultural legacies through art.

The highest recognition came in the form of a personal letter from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who expressed his deep gratitude and admiration for the sculpture. In his letter, the Prime Minister praised Rai’s dedication and artistry, stating, “Heartfelt gratitude for sending an extremely well-made sculpture of my mother. Your artistry and skill are commendable. May you continue to excel in your chosen field. Greetings and best wishes to you and your family.” This rare personal acknowledgment from one of the most prominent leaders in India highlights the significance of Rai’s work and its impact.

The recognition of Jay Kumar Rai’s talent has also been warmly received by the state leadership. Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang took to his official social media page to congratulate Rai and express pride in the artist’s achievement. The Chief Minister described the recognition by the Prime Minister as a proud moment for Sikkim and a testament to the exceptional talent and dedication of the state’s artists. He emphasized that such honors not only celebrate individual success but also shine a spotlight on Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage and artistic community.

In his message, CM Prem Singh Tamang extended his best wishes to the young artist and expressed hope that Rai will continue to grow and gain even more recognition in the arts field. The Chief Minister encouraged him to carry forward this artistic journey, inspiring other young talents from the state to pursue excellence in their creative endeavors.

He added, “I hope he continues to excel in his artistic journey, bringing more laurels to our state and inspiring many along the way.” This statement underscores the belief that individual achievements like Rai’s have a ripple effect, motivating a new generation of artists to aspire for greatness and contribute to the cultural development of the region.

Jay Kumar Rai’s achievement stands as a symbol of artistic excellence emerging from Sikkim and serves as an inspiration for many aspiring artists. His recognition by the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister places him among the notable figures who have brought national attention to the state’s cultural contributions.

Overall, Jay Kumar Rai’s heartfelt and skillful sculpture of Heeraben Modi has not only won the admiration of India’s top leader but has also become a source of pride for Sikkim, reinforcing the importance of preserving and promoting art as a vital part of the state’s identity and heritage. Through this honor, Rai’s work exemplifies how art can transcend boundaries and create lasting connections between people, history, and culture.