New Delhi, Oct. 21 -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vice-President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday condoled the demise of Vummidi Ethiraj, the craftsman who designed the historic Sengol presented to India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947.

Ethiraj, who was born on November 25, 1926, passed away on October 21. He was the patriarch of the Vummidi family, which owns the 125-year-old Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed grief over his demise and recalled his contribution to India's cultural heritage.

"I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Shri Vummidi Ethiraj. Hailing from a traditional family with roots in Tamil Nadu, he will always be remembered for designing the historic 'Sengol' (sceptre...