Governor invites Padma Shri Bhimavva to Meghalaya Raj Bhavan

Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar met Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri for her contribution to Togalu Gombeyaata, a form of shadow puppetry using leather dolls, at her residence in Moranal village of Koppal district on Saturday. He invited her to the Meghalaya Raj Bhavan.

Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar met Bhimavva Doddabalappa Shillekyathara, who was recently awarded the Padma Shri for her contribution to Togalu Gombeyaata, a form of shadow puppetry using leather dolls, at her residence in Moranal village of Koppal district on Saturday. He invited her to the Meghalaya Raj Bhavan.

Mr. Vijayashankar felicitated the 96-year-old artist with unique presentations from Meghalaya. Ms. Bhimavva and her son Keshappa Shillekyathara presented a few songs describing the scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata. Mr. Vijayashankar commended her energy and enthusiasm and invited her to visit the Meghalaya Raj Bhavan.

Born in 1929 in a poor family, Ms. Bhimavva began performing Togalu Gombeyaata at 14 as it was her family’s profession. The illiterate artist, who is known for demonstrating stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata epics, has a distinct fame of being one of the first lady puppeteers in the country. She has showcased her talents in more than 12 countries including Japan, Germany, U.S., Italy, France, Iraq, Switzerland, Netherlands, and Saudi Arabia.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Vijayashankar visited Gavi Mutt in Koppal to seek the blessings of Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swami.