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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Hilal Ahmad the first Indian to fly Rafale played key role in Operation Sindoor: Reports
New Delhi: Air Vice Chief Marshal, Hilal Ahmad, a Kashmiri Muslim from Anantnag according to a Mathrubhumi report has played a very important role in the Operation Sindhoor conducted by Indian Armed Forces launching precision military strikes against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on Wednesday.
Air Commodore Hilal Ahmad was India’s Air Attaché to France. Ahmad became India's first pilot to see off the batch of Rafale jets from France to India on July 27, 2020. Reports also suggest that he played a crucial part in early delivery of the Rafales, and has closely supervised the delivery schedule, weaponization, and customization of the Rafale jets to align with Indian operational needs.
A veteran officer with over 3,000 hours of accident-free flying, Ahmad has flown frontline combat aircraft like the Mirage 2000 and MiG-21. He gained widespread recognition as India’s first pilot to fly the Rafale jet and was instrumental in the aircraft's early induction into the Indian Air Force.
Although Ahmed is best known for his role in the Rafale program, his impact goes far beyond aircraft development. Through his leadership, he has played a crucial role in modernizing the Indian Air Force, enhancing its readiness to meet present-day challenges.
Mathrubhumi also reported that even though his name hasn’t been directly tied to the on-ground execution of Operation Sindoor, defense analysts suggest that officers of Ahmad’s calibre, with in-depth knowledge of aerial warfare and strategic defense systems, are integral to operations of such scale and precision.
