Sri M.R. Ranganatha Rao-Bheeshmapithamaha of Karnataka Puppet world
Sri Ranganatha Rao-Bheeshmapithamaha of Karnataka Puppet world Sri Ranganatha Rao -86 years young, winner of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award (1981), Karnataka State Rajyostava Award (2016), Craft Council of India Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay Award (2017) and many more. His journey in puppetry is similar to Eklavya’s training in archery in the absence of the Guru or the teacher. He a government teacher by profession switched over to puppetry after his first meeting with Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay. That was the power of this iron lady. Smt . Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay (3 April 1903 – 29 October 1988) was an Indian Social Reformer and Freedom Fighter. It is Smt . Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, who has been the driving force behind the Renaissance of Indian handicrafts, handlooms, and Indian theater. In India, today several cultural institutions exist because of her vision, tireless efforts and upliftment of indigenous art forms.