Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1929 (age 95–96) Moranala, Koppal district, Karnataka, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Puppeteer |
| Years active | 1950s–present |
| Known for | Togalu Gombeyaata (shadow puppetry) |
| Notable work | Preservation and performance of Togalu Gombeyaata |
| Awards | Padma Shri |
Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara (Born:1929)[1] is a puppeteer from the Koppal district in Karnataka. She is 96 years old. She is performing Togalu Gombeyaata for the last seven decades. Togalu Gombeyaata is a traditional art form which is used for storytelling. This kind of puppetry often narrates stories from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.[2] She has been honored with India's fourth highest civilian award Padma shri from union government of India in the year 2025.[3]
Early life and career
Shillekyathara is a native of Moranala village in Koppal district of Karnataka state.[4] Shillekyathara belongs to a family that has been custodians of Togalu Gombeyaata for over a century. She has also focused on training the younger generation to continue the tradition.[5]
References
- ^ The Hindu Bureau, The Hindu (2025-02-22). "Governor invites Padma Shri Bhimavva to Meghalaya Raj Bhavan". The Hindu. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ Joshi, Saumya (2025-01-26). "Who Is Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, The 96-Year-Old Puppeteer Honored With Padma Shri?". Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Padma awards: 96-year-old puppeteer from Karnataka gets Padma Shri award. Who is she?". Hindustan Times. 2025-01-26. Archived from the original on 2025-01-26. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "96 Years of Artistry Honored with Padma Shri: Bhimavva Shillekyathara and the Timeless Magic of Togalu Gombeyaata". hindupost.in. 2025-05-02. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Meet 96-Year-Old Bhimavva Shillekyathara, Kannada puppeteer who was honoured the Padma Shri". Financialexpress. 2025-04-29. Retrieved 2025-05-05.