Minister felicitates national award-winning artisans in Srikalahasti

Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha felicitated five artisans, who recently received national awards from the President of India, at Srikalahasti in Tirupati district on Saturday. Along with A.P. Government’s Handloom and Handicrafts Advisor Suchitra Ella and MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, she also distributed toolkits to 100 artisans from Madhavamala and Srikalahasti.

The recipients include Gorsa Santosh (National Award 2024 for Etikoppaka toys), D. Sivamma (Shilp Guru Award 2023 for leather puppet craft), P. Vijaya Lakshmi (National Handicraft Award 2023 for Kalamkari hand painting), Khande Anjanappa and Khande Harinath (both got Special Mention Award 2024 for leather puppetry craft)

During the year 2025-26, Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (APHDC) had received grant-in-aid for implementation of improved Toolkit Distribution Programme to artisans in wood carving craft at Madhavamala (50 artisans) and Srikalahasti (50 artisans) under National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) – Skill Development in Handicrafts sector.

APHDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Vishwa M. said, “This initiative aims at promoting and preserving the State’s rich handicraft traditions. The local artisans, who possess the identity cards issued by the Development Commissioner – Handicrafts, were selected for the distribution of improved toolkits worth ₹10,000 per artisan under this project.”

The APHDC also provides regular marketing support through 19 Lepakshi Emporiums, conducts training and technical development programmes in various clusters, and creates marketing platforms by organising Gandhi Shilp Bazaars with the financial support of the DC (H). The toolkits include hand-operated tools, electronic machines, and other accessories.