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Key Points

Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, a 96-year-old puppeteer, has been awarded the Padma Shri for her lifelong dedication to Karnataka’s Togalu Gombeyaata. President Droupadi Murmu honored her alongside other distinguished figures, including Bhai Harjinder Singh and Stephen Knapp. The Padma Awards recognize excellence across various fields, from arts to spirituality. This year’s list includes 139 recipients, celebrating both Indian and international contributions.

Key Points: 96-Year-Old Puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara Honored with Padma Shri

  • 96-year-old Bhimavva honored for Karnataka’s leather puppetry legacy
  • President Murmu confers Padma Shri to 139 recipients
  • Awards recognize contributions in arts, literature, and spirituality
  • Stephen Knapp and Bhai Harjinder Singh among fellow awardees
2 min read

96-year-old puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara conferred with Padma Shri

Karnataka’s legendary puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara receives Padma Shri for preserving Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional shadow puppetry art form.

"Shillekyathara has been a torchbearer for Togalu Gombeyaata, the traditional shadow puppetry of Karnataka. – Government Announcement"

New Delhi, April 28

The 96-year-old puppeteer Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for her contribution to the field of Art.

The government announced the Padma Awards on the eve of the 76th Republic Day.

Shillekyathara has been a torchbearer for Togalu Gombeyaata (Leather) puppetry, the traditional shadow puppetry of Karnataka.

https://x.com/ANI/status/1916853057419178484

Padma Awards, one of the highest civilian Awards of the country, are conferred in three categories, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri.

Famous Raagi and Shabad singer Bhai Harjinder Singh Ji also received the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of Art.

The Awards are given in various disciplines/ fields of activities -- art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, civil service, etc.

'Padma Vibhushan' is awarded for exceptional and distinguished service; 'Padma Bhushan' for distinguished service of high order and 'Padma Shri' for distinguished service in any field. The awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

American author and researcher known for his writing on Vedic culture and spirituality, Stephen Knapp receives Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu for his contribution to the field of Literature and Education.

Renowned Vedic scholar Ganeshwar Shastri Dravid is also honoured with the Padma Shri award from President Droupadi Murmu. He decided the auspicious time for Bhoomi Pujan and Pran Pratishtha of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Temple in Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi.

These Awards are conferred by the President of India at ceremonial functions, which are held at Rashtrapati Bhavan usually around March or April every year.

For the year 2025, the President has approved conferment of 139 Padma Awards including duo case (in a duo case, the Award is counted as one). The list comprises 7 Padma Vibhushan, 19 Padma Bhushan and 113 Padma Shri Awards. 23of the awardees are women and the list also includes 10 persons from the category of Foreigners/NRI/PIO/OCI, and 13 Posthumous awardees.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
What an inspiring story! At 96 years young, Bhimavva ma'am is proof that passion has no age limit. We need to preserve these traditional art forms before they disappear. 👏
R
Rahul S.
While I appreciate honoring traditional artists, I wish the selection process was more transparent. Some equally deserving folk artists never get recognized. The government should create a more inclusive system.
A
Ananya P.
My grandparents used to take me to Togalu Gombeyaata shows as a child! The way the shadows come to life is magical. So happy to see this art form getting national recognition!
V
Vikram J.
Respect to all the awardees! But special shoutout to Bhimavva ji - 96 and still keeping our culture alive. That's the real Padma Shri spirit right there 💯
M
Meera R.
Does anyone know where we can watch Togalu Gombeyaata performances? Would love to experience this art form with my kids. Maybe there should be more awareness campaigns along with these awards.
S
Sanjay T.
Heartwarming to see traditional artists getting their due. But we need more than awards - proper funding for training new artists would help preserve these dying art forms for future generations.

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