In the small artisan village of Etikoppaka, where lacquer toys have been handcrafted for generations, 37-year-old Santosh Kumar Gorsa is scripting a revival story that is inspiring the entire nation. Days from now, Santosh will walk up to the Rashtrapati Bhavan stage to receive the prestigious Shilp Guru Award from President Droupadi Murmu — India’s highest honour for master craftspersons.
But behind this national celebration lies 16 years of struggle, determination, and unwavering love for a dying craft.
A Legacy Carved in Wood and Colour
Hailing from Etikoppaka in Anakapalle district, Santosh has spent his life working with Ankudu Karra — ivory wood shaped into toys using hand tools and coated with natural dyes and lacquer. For him, the craft isn’t just work; it’s heritage, identity, and a promise to his ancestors.
“Winning the award means the world to me, but what matters more is that people are returning to our toys,” Santosh says, remembering the pandemic years when sales completely dried up and the craft seemed to be fading away.
From Silent Workshops to National Stage
Etikoppaka toys are known globally for their smooth finish, soft colours, and eco-friendly process. Yet, survival hasn’t been easy for artisans. Before the pandemic, only 250 villagers were engaged in toy-making. Today, that number has crossed 500, with many women returning from industrial jobs to embrace their traditional craft.
The turning point arrived in January 2025, when Santosh and his team designed and created the Andhra Pradesh tableau for the 76th Republic Day Parade. The tableau — themed Etikoppaka Bommalu — won third prize nationally, marking AP’s first award in 30 years.
The spectacular showcase included Lord Venkateswara and Lord Ganesha idols, ornaments, and the iconic Bobbili Veena — all made in the Etikoppaka style. What followed was a flood of recognition, orders, and renewed pride for the artisans.
A Master Craftsperson With a Modest Workshop
Despite national acclaim, Santosh continues living in a rented one-room space that functions both as home and workshop. He works with a 15-member team, each specializing in a different stage — wood cutting, shaping, colouring, polishing, assembling.
“To keep the craft alive, one of us is always travelling for exhibitions,” he says. “Right now, my mother is in Hyderabad, meeting customers and telling the story of Etikoppaka.”
State Support Fuels Hope
Recent months brought much-needed encouragement:
●The Forest Department has decided to cultivate ivory wood exclusively for Etikoppaka artisans.
●Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan’s office has adopted Etikoppaka toys as official state souvenirs.
●The craft proudly carries a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, safeguarding its authenticity and heritage.
A National Award for a Village’s Pride
The Shilp Guru Award, instituted in 2002, is a once-in-a-lifetime honour given to India’s top master artisans. It includes a gold coin, Tamrapatra, shawl, certificate, and Rs 2 lakh cash prize. For Etikoppaka, this recognition means global visibility — and for Santosh, it is validation of decades of dedication.
With renewed demand, rising artisan numbers, and now national recognition, Etikoppaka is finally experiencing a comeback. And at the heart of this revival stands Santosh — a humble artisan turning wood into wonders and ensuring the legacy lives on for generations to come.
