Raipur (thestates.news) | Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai congratulated Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi, a tribal artist from Narayanpur district, on being selected for the prestigious Padma Shri award. The honour recognises his exceptional contributions to traditional musical instrument making and wooden craftsmanship.
Shri Mandavi, 68, belongs to the Gond Muriya tribal community and has been preserving and elevating Bastar’s cultural heritage for five decades. He is particularly renowned for crafting the ‘Sulur’, a bamboo flute unique to the Bastar region. Additionally, he has gained global recognition through his intricate wood panel paintings, sculptures, and other artistic creations.
Learning the craft from his ancestors at just 12 years old, Shri Mandavi has elevated Chhattisgarh’s art and culture through his dedication and skill. As a cultural ambassador, he has showcased his art in over 8 countries and trained more than 1,000 artisans through his workshops, ensuring the transmission of traditional craftsmanship to younger generations.