Handlooms and Textiles Minister S. Savitha honoured five artisans who received national awards from the President of India. The event took place at Srikalahasti in Tirupati district on Saturday. Along with Andhra Pradesh Government’s Handloom and Handicrafts Advisor Suchitra Ella and MLA Bojjala Sudheer Reddy, she gave toolkits to 100 artisans from Madhavamala and Srikalahasti. The award recipients were Gorsa Santosh (National Award 2024 for Etikoppaka toys), D. Sivamma (Shilp Guru Award 2023 for leather puppet craft), P. Vijaya Lakshmi (National Handicraft Award 2023 for Kalamkari hand painting), and Khande Anjanappa and Khande Harinath (both received Special Mention Award 2024 for leather puppetry). During 2025-26, Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Corporation Limited (APHDC) received a grant for providing improved toolkits to 100 artisans skilled in wood carving, with 50 artisans at Madhavamala and 50 at Srikalahasti. APHDC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Vishwa M. said, "This initiative aims at promoting and preserving the State’s rich handicraft traditions. The local artisans, who possess the identity cards issued by the Development Commissioner – Handicrafts, were selected for the distribution of improved toolkits worth ₹10,000 per artisan under this project." APHDC also supports artisans by running 19 Lepakshi Emporiums, organizing training and technical development programs, and creating marketing platforms via Gandhi Shilp Bazaars, aided by financial support from the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts). The toolkits contain hand-operated tools, electronic machines, and various accessories.