Understanding the Padma Awards and Traditional Arts

The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honours of India, announced annually on the eve of Republic Day. They are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These awards recognize achievements in various disciplines and fields of activities, including art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.

The question focuses on a recipient of a Padma award in 2023 for contributions related to traditional art, specifically the revival of Etikoppaka toys using eco-friendly methods. Etikoppaka toys are traditional wooden toys made in the Etikoppaka village of Andhra Pradesh, India. Traditionally, they are known for their smooth finish and vibrant colours derived from natural dyes.

Identifying the Padma Awardee for Etikoppaka Toys

In 2023, several individuals were honoured with Padma awards for their significant contributions across various fields. Among them was a person recognized specifically for their work in preserving and promoting the traditional craft of making Etikoppaka toys, while also introducing sustainable practices.

Let's look at the individual who received the award for this specific effort:

• CV Raju: CV Raju from Andhra Pradesh was awarded the Padma Shri in 2023. His work focused on the revival of the ancient 400-year-old art of making Etikoppaka wooden toys. A key aspect of his effort was the adoption of eco-friendly techniques, moving away from chemical colours and promoting the use of natural dyes and traditional methods, ensuring the sustainability of the craft and the safety of the toys.

Analyzing Other Options

Let's briefly consider the other options provided to understand why they are not the correct answer for this specific achievement in 2023:

• Devendra Jhajharia: Devendra Jhajharia is a celebrated Indian Paralympic javelin thrower. He has received Padma Bhushan in 2022 for his achievements in sports. His contribution is in the field of sports, not traditional arts or Etikoppaka toys.
• Radheyshyam Khemka: Radheyshyam Khemka was the chairman of Gita Press, a publisher of Hindu religious texts. He was posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2022 for his contributions to literature and education. His work is not related to traditional arts or toys.
• Victor Banerjee: Victor Banerjee is a well-known Indian actor. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2022 for his contributions to the field of art (acting). His work is in cinema and acting, not traditional toy making.

Based on the specific criteria mentioned in the question – winning a Padma award in 2023 for reviving Etikoppaka toys using eco-friendly methods – CV Raju is the correct individual.

Conclusion on Padma Award for Etikoppaka Toys

The individual who was recognized with a Padma award in 2023 for his dedicated efforts in reviving the traditional Etikoppaka toy-making art by adopting eco-friendly technologies is CV Raju. His work has been crucial in sustaining this unique craft and promoting sustainable practices within it.

Revision Table: Padma Awards 2023 Key Terms

Additional Information: Etikoppaka Toys and Sustainability

Etikoppaka toys are traditionally crafted from local softwood, often using the 'Ankudu' (Wrightia tinctoria) tree. The uniqueness lies in the use of natural dyes derived from seeds, roots, leaves, and bark of various plants, which are processed using the 'lacquer turning' craft technique. However, over time, the use of chemical colours became prevalent, posing environmental and health concerns. CV Raju's efforts focused on researching and popularizing the traditional methods of natural dye making, ensuring the toys are safe for children and the craft remains environmentally sustainable. This revival not only preserves cultural heritage but also supports the livelihoods of local artisans in Etikoppaka village.