Shri Pandi Ram Mandavi, a master tribal artisan from the remote forests of Bastar, has been conferred with the prestigious Padma Shri award for his exceptional contribution to the field of Art. This recognition celebrates his life-long dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional Sulur flute-making craft of the Muria Gond community in Chhattisgarh.
A resident of Garhbengal village in Narayanpur district, Shri Mandavi has spent over five decades mastering and reviving the endangered art of crafting musical instruments from bamboo and wood—particularly the Sulur, a traditional Bastar flute integral to tribal music and ceremonies.
Born into a family of traditional instrument makers, he learned the skills from his father at the age of 12, despite leaving formal education early. Over the years, Mandavi not only refined the art form but also took it to the global stage. His handcrafted instruments and tribal sculptures have been showcased in Italy, Germany, Russia, Poland, and other countries—bringing global attention to Bastar’s rich cultural heritage.
Apart from being a celebrated artisan, he is also a passionate teacher who has trained over 1,000 young tribal artists, ensuring the continuity of this ancient art form. His work extends beyond instruments to include traditional Bastar wooden relief panels and tribal murals, reflecting stories of nature, gods, and community life.
Upon receiving the award from President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Shri Mandavi said, “All credit goes to my father. Whatever I am today is because of him and our ancestral tradition.”
The honour has brought immense pride to the people of Chhattisgarh and especially the tribal belt of Bastar, where folk arts continue to be an expression of identity, resistance, and resilience.
The Padma Shri is the fourth-highest civilian award in India, given to individuals for their distinguished contributions in various spheres including art, education, literature, science, and public service.
