In a country rich with art, culture, and handmade traditions, some of the greatest creators remain unseen and unheard. One such unsung hero is Santosh Kumar, a skilled artisan from Andhra Pradesh who is now receiving national recognition for his extraordinary craftsmanship in Etikoppaka toys. His achievement marks a new chapter for this traditional craft, yet his life story also exposes the tough realities faced by India’s artisans, even when success finally finds them.

The Craft That Carries a Village: Etikoppaka’s Legacy

Etikoppaka, a quiet village near Visakhapatnam, is famous for its soft, glossy wooden toys known for generations as “Etikoppaka Bommalu.” These toys are shaped from Ankudu Karra, a soft, lightweight ivory wood that allows artisans to carve delicate forms entirely by hand. The toys go through several stages. Cutting and seasoning the wood, hand-turning the pieces on a lathe, coating them with natural, plant-based dyes, and finishing with a lacquer shine that gives them their signature glow. For decades, this craft has been more than just artistic expression—it has been the identity, livelihood, and cultural pride of the village.

Santosh: A Master Artist

Even as Etikoppaka toys were slowly losing national visibility, Santosh stood firmly rooted in tradition. He learned the craft through years of dedication, observing elders, refining techniques, and experimenting with new forms while preserving the craft’s original charm. What sets Santosh apart is not just skill, but heart. Each toy, each curve of wood, and each shade of natural dye carries the warmth of his hands and the heritage of his village. He is among the few artisans who stayed loyal to the craft even when earnings were poor and the future uncertain.

The Craft Gains National Attention

In recent years, India has witnessed a renewed interest in sustainable, handmade products. Etikoppaka toys, made from natural materials and eco-friendly dyes, fit perfectly into this movement. Santosh played a major role in this revival, especially when his team was chosen to create the Andhra Pradesh tableau for the 2025 Republic Day Parade. The tableau showcased Etikoppaka toys on the nation’s biggest cultural stage, earning widespread applause and shining a national spotlight on the craft. For the first time in many years, the village’s legacy traveled beyond local markets and exhibitions; it reached millions across India.

Shilp Guru Award: A Moment of National Pride

In recognition of his exceptional craftsmanship, Santosh is now set to receive the prestigious Shilp Guru Award, India’s highest honor for master artisans. Presented by the Ministry of Textiles, this award is reserved only for those who have spent their lives protecting, preserving, and elevating India’s traditional arts. The honor comes with a cash prize, a gold coin, a ceremonial shawl, a Tamrapatra symbolizing artistic excellence, and an official certificate. But for Santosh, the award represents far more than its material rewards. It is a deeply emotional milestone, a validation of decades of hard work, quiet determination, and unwavering devotion to the Etikoppaka craft. It places him among India’s most distinguished artisans, entrusted with carrying forward a tradition that has lived for centuries.

Behind the Glory: A Life of Struggle

But Santosh’s success story also reveals a deeper truth: recognition does not always equal financial stability. Despite earning national acclaim, Santosh continues to live and work in a tiny rented space, which doubles as his home and workshop. The smell of lacquer fills his small room, toys hang on the walls to dry, and every corner holds tools, wood pieces, and unfinished dreams. This is not unique to Santosh. Many master artisans across India face the same situation: they preserve priceless cultural heritage but often do not earn enough to secure comfortable lives. Their art enriches the nation, yet their own homes remain modest.

Why This Award Matters for Etikoppaka

Santosh receiving the Shilp Guru Award is far more than an individual achievement; it is a collective victory. It shines a light on the entire Etikoppaka community, whose traditional wooden toy-making has survived only because of generations of quiet dedication. At a time when many of India’s handcrafted traditions are fading, this recognition breathes new life into a craft once considered endangered. It gives hope not only to today’s artisans but also to future generations, who may now feel inspired to learn and preserve this ancient art form. With national attention finally turning toward Etikoppaka, the path ahead looks brighter, opening possibilities for better markets, stronger government support, and long-overdue respect for the master artisans who keep these timeless toys alive.