Shimla mourns the loss of legendary sculptor Prof. M.C. Saxena; passes away at home

himachaleditor October 25, 2026 2 minutes read

Shimla, Oct. 25

The capital city is in mourning following the sudden demise of internationally acclaimed sculptor and artist, Prof. M.C. Saxena. He passed away early this morning due to a sudden cardiac arrest at his residence. He was widely regarded as the artistic conscience of Shimla, having dedicated decades to chronicling the rich cultural fabric of Himachal Pradesh.

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Born with a profound passion for the fine arts, Prof. Saxena’s work became synonymous with the visual identity of Shimla. He is most celebrated for creating the iconic heritage stone-cast murals on the historic Mall Road over thirty-five years ago.

The bronze-finished masterworks, which depict the intricate realities of the hill economy—ranging from the traditional lifestyle of Gaddi shepherds to apple orchard farming and the tea gardens of Kangra—remain a foundational attraction for millions of tourists and local residents alike. His public installations, including the famous ‘Pahari Woman’ statue at Daulat Singh Park, stand as monumental testaments to his mastery over form, texture, and cultural documentation.

In his later years, Prof. Saxena became an ardent crusader for the preservation of the state’s heritage art, frequently urging local authorities and the tourism department to adopt scientifically sound restoration measures to protect historical artifacts from urban development.

The news of his sudden demise has triggered a wave of grief across the regional and national artistic communities. Prominent local leaders, cultural historians, and fellow artists have expressed their deep condolences, noting that his passing leaves an unfillable void in the cultural landscape of the Queen of Hills.

Representatives from the local art guilds remarked that while the man has left for his heavenly abode, his legacy remains permanently etched into the stones and public squares of the town he loved so dearly.

He is survived by his family and generations of students who learned the nuance of traditional Indian sculpture under his mentorship.

The last rites are expected to be attended by members of the art community, close associates, and state dignitaries tomorrow.