Fri Sep 12 17:52:48 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC) held the Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition 2025 awards ceremony in Vijayawada on September 12, 2025. Fifteen master artisans were recognized across five categories: Kondapalli, Etikoppaka, wood carving, leather puppetry, and Kalamkari block printing. Winners received gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with certificates and prize money totaling ₹3 lakh. Five artisans also received People’s Choice Awards. The event coincided with the inauguration of the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar and Masterpieces Display and Sale.

**News Article:**

**Lepakshi 2025 Awards Celebrate Andhra Pradesh’s Handicraft Masters**

**VIJAYAWADA, September 12, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation (APHDC) honored 15 master artisans at the Lepakshi 2025 awards ceremony held today in Vijayawada. The awards marked the culmination of the Lepakshi Handicraft Design Competition 2025, a showcase of creativity and skill in traditional Andhra Pradesh crafts.

The competition featured five categories: Kondapalli toys, Etikoppaka toys, wood carving, leather puppetry, and Kalamkari block printing. A distinguished panel of judges from institutions such as the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Craft Council meticulously evaluated the entries.

Speaking at the event, APHDC Chairman Pasupuleti Hari Prasad emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the state’s rich handicraft heritage. Special Chief Secretary, Handlooms and Textiles, R.P. Sisodia, presided over the ceremony.

Winners in each category received gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with certificates and prize money. Gold medalists, each awarded ₹25,000, included Nuthakki Srinivasa Rao for his Kondapalli “Srinivasa Kalyanam” toys, Tangeti Ayyanna for his Etikoppaka multipurpose utility box, Dalavai Ananthamma for her leather puppetry lamp shade, C. Subramanya Achary for his wood carving showcase item, and K.V.S.N. Kishore for his Kalamkari block printing wall painting.

In addition to the juried awards, five artisans were recognized with People’s Choice Awards, each receiving ₹10,000 and a certificate, for their innovative and appealing creations.

The awards ceremony coincided with the inauguration of the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar and Masterpieces Display and Sale, offering the public an opportunity to admire and purchase the exquisite works of art. The exhibitions will remain open until September 14th.

Managing Director of APHDC, Vishwa Manoharan, and other dignitaries were also present at the event, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting and promoting the livelihoods of traditional artisans in Andhra Pradesh.

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