Famed sculptor Arun Yogiraj denied US visa

Team Udayavani, Aug 14, 2024, 5:29 PM IST

Arun Yogiraj, the acclaimed sculptor known for carving the Ram Lalla statue in Ayodhya, has been denied a U.S. visa.

Yogiraj was eagerly looking forward to attending the Akka Sammelana, a convention organized by Kannada associations in America, along with his family. He had planned a 20-day trip and submitted his visa application in June, along with all required documents and necessary information. Despite completing all formalities, his visa was denied.

The World Kannada Sammelana 2024, organized by the Association of Kannada Kootas of America (AKKA), was scheduled to take place in Richmond, Virginia. Yogiraj and his family had been invited to participate in this event. However, the U.S. consulate has not provided any reason for the visa denial.

All Documents Were Submitted, Yet No Visa: Arun Yogiraj

Reacting to the visa denial, Arun Yogiraj expressed his confusion, stating, “I don’t know why my visa was denied. I was aware of the various rules and regulations involved in the U.S. visa process, and I submitted all necessary documents, including income tax returns, bank statements, and audit reports. Since the visa was denied this year, I plan to attend the event next year. I understand that various rules and conditions might have caused the rejection. I was excited to meet and connect with Kannadigas in the U.S., and my children were also eager to visit. Now, I’m considering taking them to another country instead.”

Since 2008, Yogiraj has gained recognition across India for his exquisite sculptures. His work on the Ram Lalla statue in Ayodhya has made him a household name in Karnataka and across the nation. His talent and contributions have also been recognized globally.