The Tamil Nadu Governor acknowledged the veteran’s longstanding role in the Indian jewellery industry and recalled his involvement in one of the country’s most significant historic moments—creation of the ‘Sengol’ that symbolized the transfer of power from British rule to independent India
Chennai: Vummidi Ethiraj, doyen of the Vummidi family that owns Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, celebrated his 100th birthday on April 20, 2025. The occasion was marked by a gathering at Venkataraman Street in T. Nagar, Chennai, where among other dignitaries, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi and his wife Laxmi Ravi extended their greetings to him in person.
The Governor acknowledged Vummidi Ethiraj’s longstanding role in the Indian jewellery industry and recalled his involvement in one of the country’s most significant historic moments—creation of the ‘Sengol’ or gold-plated silver sceptre, that symbolized the transfer of power from British rule to independent India in 1947. Crafted by Vummidi Jewellers at the time of Independence, the Sengol was ceremonially installed in the new Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28, 2023.
Vummidi Ethiraj is now the oldest living member of the third generation of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers, a business founded in 1900 by his grandfather, Vummidi Bangaru. His father, Vummidi Anjenayulu, along with his two brothers, continued to expand the business through the pre- and post-Independence era. At the age of 22, Vummidi Ethiraj began learning the business under the guidance of his father. He was a witness to the handing over of the historic ‘Sengol’ from the showroom into the hands of the Thiruvavaduthurai Adheenam priest, who carried it to New Delhi by train in 1947. A photograph of this event was later published in The Hindu, recalls a spokesperson for Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
“Shri Vummidi Ethiraj has been a constant presence and guide for the family and the business. His involvement during the ‘Sengol’ project and beyond reflects his quiet leadership and his deep understanding of both craft and culture,” said Jithendra Vummidi, Managing Director of Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers.
Notably, Vummidi Ethiraj has served as President of the former Madras Jewellers and Diamond Merchants Association. His social skills and community engagement brought many public figures, including the late Chief Minister MG Ramachandran, to shop at VBJ. He has also written books on philosopher and social reformer Ramanujacharya.
The centenarian jeweller has led a simple life, supported throughout by his wife, Sumithra Devi, said Jithendra Vummidi. “His life is an example of consistency and calm guidance. He continues to be a source of strength for the entire Vummidi family. The family takes pride in its legacy and the role Shri Vummidi Ethiraj continues to play in it,” he added.
Vummidi Bangaru Jewellers is a leading name in the South Indian jewellery market, specializing in diamond and gold jewellery as well as silverware. It operates its flagship stores in Chennai and has announced plans to expand its presence by opening more showrooms across South India. VBJ opened its first international showroom at Dallas in Texas in 2023, and plans are underway to expand to other US cities.
Retail Jeweller India News
