From Shadows to Spotlight: Karnataka’s 96-Year-Old Puppetry Maestro Wins Padma Shri!

At a time when traditional folk arts are vanishing, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara shines as a steadfast guardian of heritage. The 96-year-old puppeteer from Moranala village in Karnataka’s Koppal district has been honored with the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian honors, for her remarkable contributions to Togalu Gombeyaata, a traditional form of shadow puppetry. This recognition, announced on January 26, 2025, celebrates her lifelong commitment to preserving and promoting Karnataka’s rich artistic heritage.A Family Legacy of PuppetryBorn into a family that has practiced Togalu Gombeyaata for over a century, Shillekyathara grew up watching intricate leather puppets bring epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to life. Over the past seven decades, she has not only mastered the craft but also passed it on to the younger generation, ensuring that the tradition does not fade away in the face of modernization.Her performances, infused with cultural depth and artistic finesse, have enthralled audiences across India and beyond. Each puppet, meticulously crafted and animated through light and movement, narrates tales that have been part of India’s oral traditions for centuries.Nationwide Recognition and AppreciationKarnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah praised Shillekyathara’s dedication, calling her “a worthy recipient” of the Padma Shri. He highlighted how her passion has not only kept the art form alive but also brought national and international recognition to Karnataka’s cultural heritage.The Chief Minister acknowledged that as rural art and folk traditions fade into history, Bhimavva’s dedication has kept puppetry alive in people’s hearts and expressed confidence that her achievements would continue to inspire generations.Bhimavva Shillekyathara is one of several distinguished Padma Shri awardees from Karnataka this year. Others include Gondhal folk artist Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar, oncologist Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, entrepreneur Prashanth Prakash, and Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej.Additionally, renowned violinist Dr. L Subramaniam received the Padma Vibhushan, while veteran actor Anant Nag and journalist Dr. A Surya Prakash were conferred with the Padma Bhushan.A Timeless LegacyEven at 96, Bhimavva Shillekyathara remains an active practitioner and mentor, training aspiring puppeteers and ensuring that Togalu Gombeyaata thrives in the modern era. Through her hands, Karnataka’s age-old storytelling tradition continues to shine, casting light and shadow on the future of Indian art.Her Padma Shri recognition is more than just an award—it is a reminder of the rich heritage embedded in India's folk traditions, and the individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving them.

31 Jan 2025

Star Citizens

IIT-IIM Graduate Chose Selfless Service Over Corporate Success, Now Honored With Padma Shri

As the Republic Day Padma Awards rolled in, one name stood out—not for corporate success, but for selfless service. Vinayak Lohani, the visionary behind Parivaar, wasn’t chasing corporate glory—he was building a future for India’s most vulnerable children. This IIT Kharagpur and IIM Calcutta alumnus walked away from conventional success to dedicate his life to selfless service. And now, his extraordinary journey has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri.A Different Kind of SuccessBorn in Bhopal but deeply rooted in Bengal, Lohani’s journey took an unconventional turn while pursuing his MBA at IIM Calcutta. He was the first student in the institution’s history to opt out of placements, rejecting a high-paying corporate career. His inspiration came from the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, who advocated for selfless service and the belief in seeing the ‘Divine in Man.’At a time when his peers were securing enviable jobs, Lohani chose to walk an uncharted path. He began writing about social issues, volunteering with NGOs, and gradually realized that his calling was to serve children living in abject poverty. He was particularly moved by the plight of street children in Kolkata—abandoned, vulnerable, and without access to even the most basic needs of food, shelter, and education.Source: Google ImagesThe Birth of ParivaarIn 2003, armed with nothing but conviction and a handful of resources, Lohani started Parivaar in a small rented house in Sakherbazar, Behala. His vision was simple yet profound—to provide a loving home, quality education, and a future filled with opportunities for destitute children.The early days were daunting. With no external funding, Lohani sustained Parivaar by taking lectures for management aspirants, using his earnings to provide for the children. His first ‘students’ were three children, and the numbers grew gradually. By the end of 2004, thanks to the support of well-wishers and a former IIM alumni, he managed to purchase land in Thakurpukur, Kolkata, and lay the foundation for what would become one of the largest free residential institutions for children in Eastern India.Today, Parivaar is spread across 20 acres, home to thousands of children, and continues to expand its reach and impact.After 14 years of relentless work in Bengal, Lohani took Parivaar’s mission to Madhya Pradesh in 2016. Recognizing the dire need for education and nourishment among tribal children, he established Shri Ramakrishna Vivekananda Seva Kutirs—day-boarding centers providing meals and supplementary education in remote districts such as Dewas, Sehore, Mandla, Sheopur, and Chhindwara.Parivaar now operates 829 centers across 18 districts of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, impacting over 55,000 children daily by offering free education and nutritious meals. Additionally, over 3,500 children receive full-time residential education across six campuses in West Bengal and Madhya Pradesh.Healthcare for the MarginalizedBeyond education, Parivaar has expanded into healthcare, addressing critical gaps in medical services for underserved communities. With 93 free ambulances operating across 23 tribal districts and 21 mobile medical clinics in 8 districts, the organization provides free health check-ups, medicines, and life-saving interventions. Through partnerships with hospitals, Parivaar also conducts free eye surgeries and medical treatments in backward and tribal areas.Source: Google ImagesA Man of Simplicity and ConvictionDespite his great achievements, Vinayak Lohani remains deeply humble and rooted in his mission. Dressed in a crisp white kurta-pyjama, he finds solace in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda. A lover of Bengali literature, Satyajit Ray’s films, and Anjan Dutt’s songs, he is a man of many interests, yet steadfast when it comes to his cause.He chose not to accept foreign funding or government support. Instead, 90% of Parivaar’s donations come from individuals of Indian origin, reflecting Lohani’s commitment to building an independent organization, free from external pressures.For Lohani, Parivaar is not just an institution; it is a movement—one that inspires youth to dedicate themselves to service. He actively mentors young social entrepreneurs, encouraging them to create meaningful impact in their communities. Even as Parivaar runs efficiently with a dedicated team, he continues to review, mentor, and expand its reach.The Padma Shri is a fitting tribute to a man who chose compassion over comfort, service over self-interest, and purpose over prestige. In a world where success is often measured by wealth and power, Vinayak Lohani’s journey redefines it through love, sacrifice, and an unyielding commitment to those in need.His story reminds us that true greatness lies not in what we accumulate for ourselves but in what we give to others. And through Parivaar, Lohani has given thousands of children a chance at a better, brighter future.

29 Jan 2025

Star Citizens

Sowing Durga’s Grace: Navratri and the Seed Mother’s Sacred Mission

Navratri, a nine-day festival dedicated to the goddess Durga and her many forms, is more than just a religious celebration. It represents a seasonal turning point that brings together agriculture, food security, and cultural traditions. While the festival is celebrated with prayers, fasting, and devotion, it also coincides with the harvest season, making it a time to honor the Earth and express gratitude for the abundance of crops. During this period of transition from the Kharif to Rabi cropping season, Navratri serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human sustenance and the natural environment.This deep connection between agriculture and tradition is personified in the work of Rahibai Popere. Known as "India's Seed Mother," Popere has dedicated her life to preserving indigenous seed varieties, ensuring that future generations have access to diverse and resilient crops. Her work resonates with the values of Navratri—renewal, respect for nature, and sustainable prosperity.Rahibai Popere, hailing from the small tribal village of Kombhalne in Maharashtra, has been at the forefront of preserving India's agricultural biodiversity. In a world increasingly dominated by hybrid seeds and chemically dependent crops, Popere has championed the conservation of 154 indigenous seed varieties, including traditional rice, millets, and jowar (sorghum).Source: Google ImagesHow the Journey BeganPopere's journey began when she noticed a rise in malnutrition and illness among children in her village.“My grandchildren used to fall ill. There were malnourished children around me, which was never the case before. I realized this was happening because we were using too many pesticides and chemical fertilizers,”Determined to bring about change, Popere started collecting indigenous seeds and promoting traditional, organic methods of farming."My father used to say, 'Old is gold,' and that inspired me to preserve the old varieties of seeds," she recalls. Despite initial resistance from her community, Popere persisted, and over time, her work garnered attention from neighboring villages and agricultural experts.Navratri, with its focus on renewal and respect for the Earth, mirrors Rahibai Popere's efforts to revive indigenous farming. Just as the festival honors the goddess Durga's nurturing and protective qualities, Popere's work reflects a commitment to safeguarding Mother Earth and her resources. She has tirelessly educated farmers on the benefits of native crops, explaining how these resilient varieties need less water and can thrive without harmful chemicals.Source: Google ImagesReviving Agricultural Traditions for Future GenerationsHer dedication has not only ensured food security for her village but also created a ripple effect across regions. Today, she trains farmers, shares her seeds, and promotes the use of traditional crops that are vital in the face of climate change and fluctuating rainfall patterns.Some of the varieties she has conserved, such as Raibhog and Kolpi rice, are known for their resilience in the face of adverse weather conditions, while Hyacinth bean varieties like Kadu Wal can grow on residual moisture. These crops are crucial in regions like Maharashtra, where uneven rainfall can make farming a precarious venture.Popere’s work has also given rise to a seed bank, where she stores and shares seeds with farmers across seven villages in the Akole block of Ahmednagar district. This grassroots movement is not just about crop preservation—it's about empowering farmers to reclaim control over their food systems and reduce dependence on commercial seed companies.Source: Google ImagesPopere’s philosophy resonates deeply with the symbolism of Navratri. As people pray for prosperity and abundance during the festival, Popere is working to ensure that these prayers are answered by maintaining biodiversity, enriching the soil, and promoting sustainable farming techniques.Navratri, with its cultural and agricultural importance, serves as a period of reflection on our relationship with nature. It is a time to honor the Earth, celebrate her bounty, and pledge to protect her for the future. Rahibai Popere's work exemplifies this spirit, as she tirelessly works to preserve the seeds that sustain life.

3 Oct 2024

Star Citizens

Weaving Dreams: Preserving Literary Heritage Through the Delicate Threads of Silk.

In the heartland of Assam, where dreams are often woven into the delicate threads of silk, there exists a weaver who has taken this age-old tradition to unprecedented heights. She skillfully weaves entire books into her creations! Meet Hemoprova Chutia, a remarkable artisan hailing from Moran, a town in the Dibrugarh district of Assam, who has received the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2023. While Assam is renowned for its skilled weavers, Hemoprova Chutia's approach to her craft is extraordinary. Beyond merely creating beautiful designs on fabric, she has taken weaving to an entirely new level by incorporating entire books into her creations. For instance, she intricately wove the entire Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, into silk using traditional techniques. This awe-inspiring feat required meticulous attention and over two years of dedicated work. Not stopping there, Hemoprova demonstrated her mastery by weaving the Bhagavad Gita in English onto a 280-foot-long and 2-foot-wide piece of cloth. She also skillfully wove the Gunamala, a significant literary work by Assamese Saint Srimanta Shankardev, incorporating both the Assamese and translated Hindi and English versions. Her expertise extends to using beads to craft unique designs in cotton and silk Gamocha, a departure from the usual motifs seen in the region. Recognized by numerous awards and accolades, including the Assam Gaurav award and 'Handloom and Textile Award' by the state government, Hemoprova Chutia's weaving skills transcend the conventional, leaving an indelible mark on the world of art and culture. Her artistry not only preserves the rich literary heritage but also showcases the magic that can be woven with dedication and imagination.

29 Sep 2023

Star Citizens

Saving the Vechur Cow: The Little Cow that Defied Extinction

Sosamma Iype, a celebrated animal conservationist and professor of veterinary science, has been awarded the Padma Shri award in India this year for her pioneering efforts in conserving the native Vechur cow breed. This breed, the smallest of its kind in the world, was facing forcible extinction due to an official policy to promote higher-yielding crossbreeds. Iype hails from Niranam village near Vechur in the Kottayam district, from where the Vechur cow breed was found. She shared with her students at the Kerala Agricultural University’s Veterinary College her fond memories of relishing the milk of the now extinct Vechur cows. The cows were typically 90 cm tall and one meter long, requiring very little food and no special care. The milk was known to be high in fat, and the breed was highly tolerant to heat and resistant to most diseases. Iype dreamt of locating and conserving the surviving Vechur cows, and twelve of her students took up the challenge to scout Vechur and surrounding villages for surviving cows. After a long search, a surviving original Vechur cow was found at a farm in Ullala. This discovery inspired Iype and her students to further their search, and within six months, 29 cows of the native breed were found and brought to the cowshed of the Veterinary College’s Genetics and Breeding Department. The cows were checked to make sure they were not crossbreeds, and the team also spotted a few Vechur bulls which they used for breeding. Today, the Vechur cows have become the icons of India’s native cow conservation movement, with over 6,000 such dwarf cows providing milk and cow dung needs of people across the country. The university also facilitates supply of calves to interested buyers across India. Thanks to Iype’s pioneering efforts, this native breed of cows is now secure and its conservation assured.

3 Feb 2023

Star Citizens

This 99 Year Old Is the Last Tribal Musician to Play Rosem- a Musical Instrument

Born on 20 July 1920, Thanga Darlong is an exceptional musical genius who worked hard to preserve and promote the traditional instrument Rosem. Rosem is a flute-like instrument made from bamboo. Thanga Darlong is considered to be the last tribal musician to play this musical instrument. Learning The Art Thanga Darlong was born in Muruai village of Tripura. His father Hakvunga Darlong initiated him into folk music and trained him. Later, Darthuama Darlong, traditional music maestro taught and groomed in the nuances of playing Rosem. Soon he became a master of his art and started performing at numerous festivals that were celebrated in his community. Now, he is considered as the most accomplished performers of Rosem ever. He traveled extensively in India and abroad to showcase his art. Awards Darlong has won innumerable awards in his lifetime including the Padma Shri (India’s fourth-highest civilian honour). He won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2014) for his contribution to the preservation of indigenous music in Northeast India. The award is the highest recognition given to practicing artists. He is also the recipient of the Academic Fellowship Award. He was also featured ‘Tree of Tongues’, a film made on tribal musicians directed by Josy Joseph. Image Source: NewsGram

28 Aug 2019

Star Citizens

Uddhab Bharali – The Genius With Over 150 Inventions!

Uddhab Bharali is a man with a mind inclined to invent things for the betterment of mankind. This 57-year-old Padma Shri awardee from Assam has 150 inventions in his kitty. Bharali met with obstacles three decades ago when his family was in debt and he couldn’t afford the fees for his engineering studies. However, that didn’t deter his mind from creating new things. Riding on his passion for creativity and innovation, he started making machines for everyday use, mostly from scrap. Inventions He came to be known for his polythene making machine that he developed for tea estates in Assam. Its success propelled him to invent more machines like machines for de-seeding of pomegranates, peeling areca nuts and cassava, cutting tobacco leaves to extracting passion fruit juice. These inventions which were centered around agriculture helped in the speedy agricultural process and provided a livelihood to many. Social Service Bharali, the innovator who works with students from various IITs supports 25 families with poor financial backgrounds and is widely known for his philanthropic works. Whenever the needy approached him for help, he would offer monetary support as well as invent things for their well being. He has made machines to feed the disabled, slippers for knees, cleaners and de-weeders for amputees and many more. He has won numerous recognition and awards (national and international) for his inventions, yet he remains a humble man who shuns publicity. He was awarded the Padma Shri this year. He felt very happy to get national recognition and said that he would continue with his work. Image Source: Magical Assam

27 Aug 2019

Star Citizens

Teejan Bai – The Connoisseur of Pandavani Art Who Fought All Odds to Keep Her Passion Alive

As a young girl, Teejan Bai would listen to her grandmother sing stories from the Mahabharata which was recited in Chattisgarhi Hindi. She was so fascinated by the musical rendition that she soon memorized it and later got herself informally trained in this art which is called Pandavani. She gave her first performance in a neighbouring village at the age of 13 and then there was no looking back. There are generally two styles of singing Pandavani- one is the Vedamati style in which traditionally women would sit and sing. The other is the Kapalik shaili (style) which only men performed while standing. Teejan Bai defied tradition and became the first woman to adopt the Kapalik style of singing for which she faced much opposition. Teejan Bai sang with such enthusiasm and unmistakable verve that she instantly became a hit and was invited to sing at numerous occasions and festivals even in neighbouring villages. Her lucky break came when she was noticed by poet and actor Habib Tanvir who was impressed by her talent and he invited her to perform for then Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. She received national and international recognition and as a cultural ambassador, she flew to countries as far as England, France, Switzerland, Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, Malta, Cyprus, Romania and Mauritius. For her bold stand on singing Pandavani which was generally performed by men, Teejan Bai was expelled by her community. Not to be deterred by exclusion, she built herself a small hut and started living on her own, but never stopped singing Pandavani which had by now become a way of life. For the proficiency in her art and her immense talent, Teejan Bai was awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995, Padma Shri in 1988, and Padma Bhushan in 2003. This year she was conferred with Padma Vibhushan- nation’s second-highest civilian honour. Teejan Bai, now 63, feels honoured and grateful for the awards bestowed on her. She wishes to preserve this culture and art of Chattisgarh and is therefore, teaching Pandavani art to the young generation. She has already trained more than 200 girls and will continue to remain an inspiration to young art lovers.

22 Aug 2019

Star Citizens

#Padmashri

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From Shadows to Spotlight: Karnataka’s 96-Year-Old Puppetry Maestro Wins Padma Shri!

IIT-IIM Graduate Chose Selfless Service Over Corporate Success, Now Honored With Padma Shri

Sowing Durga’s Grace: Navratri and the Seed Mother’s Sacred Mission

Weaving Dreams: Preserving Literary Heritage Through the Delicate Threads of Silk.

Saving the Vechur Cow: The Little Cow that Defied Extinction

This 99 Year Old Is the Last Tribal Musician to Play Rosem- a Musical Instrument

Uddhab Bharali – The Genius With Over 150 Inventions!

Teejan Bai – The Connoisseur of Pandavani Art Who Fought All Odds to Keep Her Passion Alive

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