Andhra Pradesh Recognizes Master Artisans with 2025 Lepakshi Awards

Rapid summary:

• The Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Progress Corporation (APHDC) presented the Lepakshi 2025 Awards to 15 master artisans during the Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition in Vijayawada.
• The event showcased creativity across five categories: Kondapalli, Etikoppaka, wood carving, leather puppetry, and Kalamkari block printing.
• Experts from institutions like National Institute of Design (NID), Craft Council, DC Handicrafts evaluated entries to select winners.
• award highlights:

– Gold medal winners received ₹25,000 each; Silver medal ₹15,000; Bronze medal ₹10,000.
– winners included nuthakki Srinivasa Rao for Kondapalli toys (Srinivasa Kalyanam), Tangeti Ayyanna for Etikoppaka toys (multipurpose utility box), Dalavai Ananthamma for leather puppetry (lamp shade), C. Subramanya Achary for wood carving (showcase item) and K.V.S.N Kishore for Kalamkari block printing (wall painting cloth).

• Five artisans won People’s Choice Awards with prizes of ₹10,000 each and certificates based on public preference.
• The ceremony also marked the opening of a Gandhi Shilp Bazaar showcasing traditional craftsmanship and Masterpieces Display & Sale open till September 14.

Indian opinion Analysis:
The Lepakshi awards represent an vital step in promoting traditional handicrafts by providing recognition and incentives to artisans who preserve India’s cultural legacy through their work. By organizing dedicated competitions evaluated by experts from specialized institutions such as NID and the Craft Council, APHDC has laid emphasis on quality craftsmanship while encouraging innovation within traditional art forms. Cash rewards further enable economic support directly benefiting these skilled workers.

This initiative serves dual purposes: it preserves endangered crafts like Kondapalli toy-making or Kalamkari block printing while offering visibility through platforms like exhibitions such as Gandhi Shilp Bazaar. Sustained efforts toward supporting artisan communities can bolster economic development rooted in India’s rich heritage industries-important given global appreciation toward sustainably crafted goods originating from India.

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