Arun Yogiraj, who has a family background of five generations of famous sculptors in Mysore, is currently the most sought-after sculptor in the country.
Arun is being sought out by different states of the country due to the demand that the statues of the achievers should be raised by Arun’s skill. The honourable Prime Minister of the country Shri Narendra Modi has also appreciated Arun’s talent. Arun is enterprising when it comes to an efficient use of opportunities he gets. That is how demand for his art has been created in various states of the country.
Arun’s father Yogiraj is also a skilled sculptor. His grandfather Basavanna Shilpi was patronized by the King of Mysore. Arun Yogiraj, who belongs to this generation, was also involved in carving since childhood. After completing his MBA, he worked for some time in a private company. But he could not escape the skills of the sculpting profession which was innate in him throughout. Thus, since 2008, he has continued his carving career.
A 30 feet statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, crafted by Arun, is the center of attraction in the grand canopy behind the Amar Jawan Jyoti behind the India Gate. Ahead of the 125th birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, it was Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s wish to install a statue of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose at India Gate to honor his contribution to the freedom struggle which was further backed by Arun Yogiraj himself. In addition, he gifted a two-feet tall statue of Subhash Chandra Bose to the Prime Minister and won his appreciation.
Before this, Arun Yogiraj had also sculpted a 12 feet tall statue of Adi Shankaracharya in Kedarnath. The 21 feet tall Hanuman statue at Chunchanakatte in Mysore district, 15 feet tall statue of constitutional architect Dr. BR Ambedkar, the white amritashila statue of Swami Ramakrishna Paramahamsa in Mysore, six feet tall monolithic statue of Nandi, six feet tall statue of Banashankari Devi, the 14.5 feet tall white AmritaShila statue of the King of Mysore, Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar and many other idols have flowered in the hands of Arun Yogiraj. Many organizations have already honored Arun. The royal family of Mysore also paid special respects for his contribution.
Awards and Recognitions
1) Visit to workshop and personal appreciation by Kofi Annan, Former Secretary-General of United Nations Organization.
2) Nalwadi award 2020 by Mysore District Administration.
3) Honorary membership by The Crafts council of Karnataka 2021.
4) South Zone Young Talented Artist award by Government of India in 2014.
5)Shilpa Kousthubha by Sculptors Association.
6) Rajyothsava award by Mysuru District Authority.
7) Honored by honourable Chief Minister of Karnataka state.
8) Honored by Sports Academy of Mysuru district.
9) Honored by AmaraShilpi Jakanacharya Trust.
10) Participated in State and National level Sculpture Camps.
A selection of Commissions:
- 28 feet monolithic black granite stone sculpture of Sri. Subhash Chandra Bose for India Gate, Delhi, Government of India.
- 21 feet monolithic stone sculpture Hanuman Hoysala style for Chunchunkatte, KR Nagar.
- 12 feet Adi Shankaracharya idol for Kedarnath, Uttarakhand.
- 15 feet monolithic white marble stone sculpture of Dr B. R. Ambedkar with pedestal, Mysore.
- India’s Largest 10 feet monolithic white marble stone sculpture of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Mysore.
- 15 feet monolithic white marble stone sculpture of the Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar with Pedestal, Mysore.
- 11 feet monolithic modern art stone sculpture sculpted in the concept “Creation of Creation” at University of Mysore, Mysore.
- Bronze statue of Sri U.R. Rao installed at ISRO, Bangalore.
- 5 feet idol of God Garuda at Mysore.
- 7 feet tall idol of God Yoganarasimha Swamy at KR Nagar.
- Numerous statues of Sir M.Vishveshwaraiah.
- Numerous statues of Sri. Dr. B. R Ambedkar.
- Sculptures of Lord Panchamukhi Ganapathi, Lord MahaVishnu, God Buddha, Nandi, Swami Shivbala Yogi, Swami Shivakumara, and Goddess Banashankari installed at various temples.
- Hand carved Mantaps, various stone pillar works and many more.