A 96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka’s Koppal district, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, has been honored with the celebrated Padma Shri, considered one of India’s highest civilian honors, for her outstanding contributions to the sector of artwork. This recognition, introduced on Friday, celebrates her dedication to Togalu Gombeyaata, a standard type of shadow puppetry.
96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka’s Koppal district, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, has been honored with the celebrated Padma Shri award.
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Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah lauded Shillekyathara as a worthy recipient, acknowledging her unparalleled dedication to puppetry over the previous seven many years. “The nation takes immense pride in Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara being honored with the Padma Shri for 2025. Her dedication to the art form, which she has nurtured as a way of life while showcasing Karnataka’s culture both nationally and internationally, makes her truly deserving of this recognition,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Calling her an inspiration for future generations, the Chief Minister expressed his admiration for her lifelong service to the humanities. “In an era where rural art and folk traditions are fading into history, Bhimavva’s dedication has ensured that puppetry remains alive in the hearts of the people. Her achievements will continue to inspire generations,” he added.
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Who’s Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara
Hailing from Moranala village in Koppal, Shillekyathara has been a torchbearer for Togalu Gombeyaata. Her household, custodians of this artwork for over a century, has carried out epics just like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Dedicated to preserving this cultural heritage, Shillekyathara has additionally targeted on coaching the youthful technology to hold the custom ahead.
The Padma Shri recipients from Karnataka embrace 81-year-old Gondhal folks artist Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar from Bagalkot, pioneering oncologist Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane from Kalaburagi, entrepreneur and philanthropist Prashanth Prakash, and Grammy-winning composer and environmental advocate Ricky Kej.
Amongst different honorees from Karnataka, violin virtuoso and composer Dr. L Subramaniam obtained the Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honor in India. Veteran actor and former minister Anant Nag, together with journalist and scholar Dr. A Surya Prakash, have been conferred with the Padma Bhushan.
In complete, eight people from Karnataka have been acknowledged this yr for his or her distinctive contributions in numerous fields, reflecting the state’s wealthy cultural and mental legacy.