Anupama Hoskere: A Life Dedicated to Indian Puppet Art
From engineering to the stage, my journey is driven by the mission to preserve the knowledge systems of Bharat through the living art of puppetry.
This video, shared by the Ministry of Culture, highlights my work in puppetry and my recognition as a Padma Shri awardee. It shows me receiving the award from the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu.
A screenshot of the official announcement from the President of India's office, conferring the Padma Shri in the field of Art. This award acknowledges the work done at Dhaatu to curate a unique collection of puppets from India and the world.
The moment I received the Padma Shri award from the Honorable President of India. This was a deeply moving experience that affirmed my lifelong commitment to the art of puppetry.
Receiving the Shivaratri Utsava Award at a wonderful gathering in Malleshwaram. It is always a privilege to be honored alongside other stalwart artists and achievers of Bengaluru.
A photograph from the Shivaratri Utsava award ceremony, capturing the moment of receiving the honor. Such events bring together the artistic community and celebrate our collective contributions.
Being felicitated at the Shivaratri Utsava organized by the Dr. Ashwathnarayana foundation. Community support and recognition are vital for the arts to thrive.
Presenting an award to a fellow artist at the Shivaratri Utsava. Celebrating the achievements of others is just as important as receiving honors oneself.
At a national conference at MNIT, Bhopal. I was happy to find that my presentation on the technical and contemporary perspectives of puppetry stirred a lot of interest among scientists and entrepreneurs.
A short video from the STREE 2024 National Conference & Expo in Bhopal, where I spoke on the role of women as conservators and propagators of Indian knowledge systems.
Speaking at the Dhaatu International Puppet Festival on the topic of 'Puppet Traditions and Innovations'. Sharing the stage with scholars and artists from around the world is always an enriching experience.
About Our Founder: A Leader in Art and Culture
Beyond the stage, I spend much of my time at national and international forums, ensuring the technical and cultural nuances of puppetry are preserved and understood by new generations. Whether it is a panel discussion on traditional knowledge systems or a hands-on workshop at our Bengaluru center, my focus remains on bridging the gap between ancient heritage and modern curiosity.
My work with Dhaatu is about more than just entertainment. It is a long-term commitment to keeping our oral traditions and epics alive through the mechanics of puppet theater. Receiving the Padma Shri in 2024 was a profound honor, but it is a recognition of the entire art form rather than just my personal effort.
I regularly engage with diverse groups—from scientists and researchers at technical institutes like MNIT Bhopal to university students seeking cultural immersion. These interactions allow me to discuss the contemporary relevance of traditional puppetry. Whether I am speaking at an international festival about puppet innovations or leading a 'karyagara' (workshop) at our Mandala Cultural Centre, the goal is always the same: to show that puppets are not just for children, but are sophisticated vessels of history, philosophy, and craft.
If you are interested in exploring how we keep these systems alive, I invite you to join our heritage sessions or visit the Dhaatu Puppet Museum. It is a space where the old world meets the new, and I am always happy to share the stories behind our 5,000-plus exhibits.
Dhaatu Puppet Theater
I am Anupama, an engineer who found my true calling in the strings of puppets. My family and I run Dhaatu in Bengaluru, where we turn ancient epics into living art through our shows, museum, and dedicated research.
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