Three from Karnataka get Padma Shri awards; All you need to know about their contributions
New Delhi: The Central Government on Saturday announced the prestigious Padma Shri awards on the occasion of Republic Day, recognizing excellence across various fields.
Among the awardees, three distinguished individuals from Karnataka—Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar from Bagalkot, Vijayalakshmi Deshmane from Kalaburagi, and Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara from Koppal—have been conferred with the honour for their contributions in folk art, medicine, and puppetry, respectively.
Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar: Keeping Gondhali folk art alive
An 81-year-old maestro of Gondhali folk music and storytelling from the Ghumantu Samaj, Venkappa Ambaji Sugatekar has dedicated over six decades to preserving this dying art form. Popularly known as the ‘Bhisma of Gondhali music and storytelling,’ he has sung more than 1,000 Gondhali songs and narrated over 150 stories, passing on the traditional values of devotion, truth, respect for elders, and the significance of a Guru to younger generations.
Despite coming from a humble background, Sugatekar has remained steadfast in his commitment to the art form, ensuring it reaches both rural and urban audiences. He has trained over 1,000 students free of cost, playing a crucial role in the survival and promotion of Gondhali folk traditions.
Vijayalakshmi Deshmane: Pioneer in Cancer treatment
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Deshmane, a veteran oncologist from Kalaburagi, has been recognized for her remarkable contributions to cancer care and research over the past four decades. Rising from humble beginnings in the marginalized Madiga community, she overcame significant challenges to become a leading figure in oncology.
Her father was a textile mill worker, and as a child, she helped her mother sell vegetables while excelling academically. She later went on to lead the Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology in Bengaluru, driving advancements in cancer research, treatment, and community awareness.
A pioneer in breast cancer research, Dr. Deshmane has conducted impactful studies and dedicated her life to providing free treatment and counseling to economically disadvantaged cancer patients. Her work has brought hope to countless individuals battling the disease.
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara: Grandmother of Gombeyaata Puppetry
At 96, Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara from Koppal is one of the first female puppeteers to master the traditional leather shadow puppetry art of Togalu Gombeyaata. She learned the craft at the age of 14 and has since spent over seven decades showcasing epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata through puppetry performances.
Her talent has taken her to over 12 countries, including Japan, Germany, the USA, Italy, France, and Saudi Arabia, where she has introduced global audiences to Karnataka’s rich cultural heritage. She has also played a significant role in modernizing the ancient puppetry techniques while training new generations of artists, ensuring the survival of this traditional art form.
In recognition of her dedication, she was awarded Iran’s Puppetry Award in 1993. Her lifelong commitment to Togalu Gombeyaata has earned her the title of ‘Grandmother of Gombeyaata.’
The Padma Shri awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in their respective fields.
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Man arrested for for raping mute woman in Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur (PTI): One person was arrested on the charge of raping a 30-year-old woman with speech impairment in Jamshedpur, a police officer said on Tuesday.
The incident occurred in the Azadnagar police station area of the city, and a case in this regard was registered based on the statement of the victim's brother on Monday.
The victim had gone to fetch water from the premises of a company on Monday evening. When she did not return even after a considerable time, family members went out in search of her and caught the accused red-handed, police said.
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The accused was a caretaker of the company.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (Patamda) Bachandeo Kujjur said due to scarcity of water in the area, the victim used to fetch water from the premises of the company.
