Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday greeted Ajay Kumar Mandavi and Domar Singh Kanwar on being selected for the Padma Shree award. He could not connect to the third winner, Usha Barle.
He said their selection has made Chhattisgarh and the art world proud.
For the first time since the formation of the state, three individuals, two from tribal communities, have been chosen for the Padma Awards in a single year, an official communication said.
Kanwar will receive it for his contributions to dance and social sector. He has aided in the abolition of many evil practises such as child marriage. He has also given over 5,000 performances across the country.
Mandavi engraves art on wood. He was involved in training jailed Naxalites and tribal inmates in the art form.
Barle will receive it for her contribution to Pandwani singing. She is a student of Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai. Barle has also performed in London and New York.
