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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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
