America Denies Visa to Ayodhya Ram Lalla Sculptor Arun Yogiraj: Family Sources | Exclusive

New Delhi: Arun Yogiraj, acclaimed sculptor of Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya's Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, has been denied a US visa, his family sources confirmed to Republic Kanna. Yogiraj was set to attend 12th AKKA World Kanna Conference (WKC 2024), scheduled for August 30th to September 1st, 2024, at Greater Richmond Convention Center in Richmond, Virginia. 

Family sources expressed disappointment at visa denial, asserting that it comes despite his international recognition and recent global exposure. y mentioned that his wife, Vijeta, has previously travelled to US, making denial particularly unexpected given that all arrangements were in place. ir sole intention was to attend event and return promptly. Arun Yogiraj was eagerly awaiting this trip, as it would have marked his first break since completing Ayodhya project. 

Speaking to Republic Kanna, Yogiraj confirmed that his visa was rejected by US.  "I don't know any reasons why it was denied but we have submitted all documents related to visa", Ram Lalla sculptor told R Kanna. 

Republic Kanna Accesses Invite Extended to Yogiraj

Republic Kanna has also accessed invitation which was extended to Arun Yogiraj for global Kanna event, recognizing his contributions to community. However, despite honour, Arun Yogiraj faced an unexpected hurdle as his visa was denied by America.   

About AKKA World Kanna Conference

AKKA World Kanna Conference is a bi-annual event held in United States to bring toger members of community living in North America and or parts of world under one roof. aim of event is to celebrate past achievements and to preserve language and culture for future generations. To date, cities of Houston (2000), Detroit (2002), Orlando (2004), Washington DC (2006), Chicago (2008), New Jersey (2010), Atlanta (2012), San Jose (2014), Atlantic City (2016) and Dallas (2018) have hosted event, attracting several thousand people from across US as well as a significant number from India and or countries.

Who is Arun Yogiraj?

Arun Yogiraj, hailing from Agrahara, Mysuru in Karnataka, is a renowned sculptor with a rich family legacy spanning five generations. His grandfar, Basavanna Shilpi, was a prominent sculptor patronized by King of Mysore. Despite this heritage, Arun initially pursued a career in business after earning a master’s degree in business ministration and working for a private company. However, in 2008, he left his job to dedicate himself fully to sculpting.

Arun is known for his significant works, including 30-foot statue of Subhash Chandra Bose, installed behind Amar Jawan Jyoti at India Gate, a project supported by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also sculpted 12-foot statue of i Shankaracharya in Kedarnath, inaugurated in 2021, and has created several or notable sculptures such as a 21-foot Hanuman in KR Nagar, Mysore, and a 15-foot statue of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

His or works include a 10-foot statue of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, a 15-foot statue of Maharaja Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar, and various sculptures of Sir M. Vishveshwaraiah and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. Arun has also sculpted a bronze statue of Sri U.R. Rao at ISRO, as well as idols of Garuda and Yoganarasimha Swamy. His sculptures are featured in numerous temples, including depictions of Panchamukhi Ganapathi, MahaVishnu, Buddha, Nandi, Swami Shivbala Yogi, Swami Shivakumara, and Banashankari.