Published 12:27 IST, May 28th 2023
Internet ablaze with appreciation as Sengol maker's reaction strikes a chord with netizens
As the ceremonious handover of the sceptre to Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place, Ethirajulu's eyes remained fixed on the historic event.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, received the sacred 'Sengol' from the 293rd head priest of Madurai Adheenam Sri Harihara Desika Swamigal in a ceremony at the former's official residence. Along with the seers of Adheenam mutts from Tamil Nadu, one special guest was also there in the ceremony-- Vummidi Ethirajulu.
In a truly captivating moment that unfolded during the Sengol ceremony, 97-year-old Ethirajulu, the maker of the historic sceptre found himself among the attendees, witnessing his creation being bestowed with the significance it truly deserved. As the ceremonious handover of the sceptre to Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place, Ethirajulu's eyes remained fixed on the historic event, reminiscing about the symbolic transfer of power from British rule to independent India in 1947. This remarkable encounter adds a dramatic touch to an already momentous occasion. Notably, in 1947, Nehru was handed the similar Sengol by the Adheenams from Tamil Nadu.
Netizens react to Ethirajalu's 'twinkling eyes':
Netizens across the nation were deeply moved by the profound significance of Ethirajalu's presence. Social media platforms buzzed with heartfelt messages of admiration and respect for the 97-year-old craftsman. Many expressed awe at the intergenerational connection witnessed through Ethirajulu's creation and its link to India's struggle for independence. Netizens hailed his craftsmanship as a living testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and celebrated the fact that his work had received the recognition it truly deserved.
Twitter user Shay Nuggu said, "At 97, he now feels like he is seen and heard and respected."
At 97, he now feels like he is seen and heard and respected. And moreover his culture our culture is on revival🙏🏻
— SHAY NUGGU (@dhoomtananana40) May 27, 2023
Another user that goes by the name Shharat Bhandari, said, "Look at the Vummidi Ethirajulu ji, A new light and hope in eyes for a better tomorrow, with confidence on his face."
Look at the Vummidi Ethirajulu ji, A new light and hope in eyes for better tomorrow, with confidence on his face.
— Shharat Bhandari (@shharatbh) May 27, 2023
"These eyes are feeling today's proud moment, and at the same time feeling proud of themselves and the country," Twitter user Prakash Joshi said.
ये ऑंखें आज के गौरवपूर्ण पल को महसूस कर रही हैँ, और साथ ही खुद को, देश को गौरवान्वित महसूस कर रही हैँ 💐💐🇮🇳🇮🇳
— 🇮🇳प्रकाश जोशी💧 🇮🇳 (@Prakash12Joshi) May 27, 2023
Historic, Proud & Humbling Moment 🇮🇳
— Ravisutanjani (@Ravisutanjani) May 28, 2023
Meet Shri Vummidi Ethirajulu Ji
97 Years Old from Chennai who got the Sengol Made in 1947, When he was just 20
His Eyes Speak Volume ♥️ pic.twitter.com/te1uo3hK1w
Vummidi Ethirajulu, born in 1926, is the maker of #Sengol.
— Ajay Sehrawat (@IamAjaySehrawat) May 28, 2023
He had to wait for almost a century to witness this historical moment!
#MyParliamentMyPride pic.twitter.com/FWzR2RHsU6
This twinkling person is Vummidi Ethirajulu, who made the original sacred "Sengol" in 1947 on orders of Aadheenam.
— Manoj Singh (@manojkrs29) May 28, 2023
PM @narendramodi Ji met Ethirajulu on the eve of the new Parliament Building inauguration.#MyParliamentMyPride pic.twitter.com/QeIMbuBngN
He's Vummidi Ethirajulu, born in 1926, the maker of #Sengol.
— Mayank shukla__SU 🇮🇳 (@mayank517) May 28, 2023
आंखो से खुशी बयां हो रही है , एक सदी का जीवन उनका सफल हुआ 🪷🇮🇳#MyParliamentMyPride 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/1yKZFVl3cz
Vummidi Ethirajulu speaks to Republic
Speaking to Republic on May 25, Ethirajalu said, "It was from Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam. They were responsible to contact me and (they) asked me 'whether you know anything'. Yes, we have seen some of the oldest items manufactured by other people." When asked about how many days it took him to make the historic sceptre, he said, "I never thought it was so important... It took us nearly 10 to 15 days (to complete it."
It is pertinent to mention that the Sengol was created in 1947 in what was then Madras by Vummidi, under the guidance of the seer of Thiruvaduthurai Atheenam. The Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers is the family which was tasked with the making of the 'Sengol' sceptre to revere the tradition of the Chola Empire.
Updated 12:27 IST, May 28th 2023