To
Sub:-Recommendation for the PADMA SHRI AWARD for the year 2025 to
Dr. RAJASTAPATHI—Regarding.
I have great pleasure in introducing a skilful master artisan by name
Dr.RAJASTAPATHI, residing at Kannankurichi, Salm-8 of Tamilnadu, who
is known to me since 1976 through the wonderful divine service that he is doing
to the temples, by shaping bronze and granite idols of historic importance as
well as cloddy and cemented idols, of gods and goddesses to be kept and
worshiped in temples, by building and renovating temples, by rendering free
service in building and renovating temples in villages, and by crafting many
ancient statues of Hindu gods in consonance with Hindu Aagama Shastra
guidelines.
I have visited a few temples which he built and renovated with divine
sparks of excellence, and I must say that his heart perceives God; he designs
temples in his mind; his statues and idols become bonds of union based on
Hindu tradition; and he has enough light in his heart and mind to see God in
idols and make us see God. He also renders free training to youth in the art of
sculpture.
God helps him do great things in the art of sculpture; and he does them
with his inspiration, but he does them in God’s name; his art of sculpture knows
no limit to its endurance, no end to it trust, no fading of its hope, it can outlast
anything; as the best artist, he has that thought alone which is contained within
the marble shell; his hand only breaks the spell to free the figures slumbering in
the stone; his hand that obeys the intellect discovers it; and his work of art is
the reflection of God’s perfection and he sees gods in marbles and carves them
until he sets them free as a feast to human eyes and hearts and minds.
His temple works and bronze idols in South Asian countries like Malasiya and
Singapore helps our Hindu brothers and sisters there to feel and foster their
divine sentiments and also makes many foreigners witness our style of temple
constructions and worshipping. Hence, his enormous service in the vast field of
sculpture need be recognised.
The Indian government under the leadership of Shri.Narendra Modi is largely
appreciating, supporting, encouraging and protecting our cultures and heritage.
In alignment to this initiative of the Indian government, Dr. Rajastapathi has
created a lot of Kalash and idols of Gods using gold and silver. These artifacts
were so realistic that it looked like human figures.
Some Achievements by Dr.Rajastapathi
● Number of new temples built:-75.
● Number of old temples renovated:-36
● Number of bronze idols made for temples in foreign countries like
Malaysiya and Singapore:-18
● Number of Granite idols shaped and sanctified:-above 450
● Number of bronze idols shaped and sanctified:- above 900
● Number of cemented idols shaped and sanctified:-above 200
HIGHLIGHTS OF A FEW AWARDS BESTOWED ON HIM
● Mahatma Gandhi Birth Centenary Memorial Award--1989
● Certificate of Excellence By Govt. of Tamilnadu—1995
● National Award for Master Craftsperson from President of India—2006
● Excellence Certificate in Economic Development Award—2010
● International Gold Star Award at Bangkok—2010
● Doctor of Honours by Open International University of Colombo—2013
I therefore request YOUR HIGHNESS to kindly favour him for the India’s
prestigious award “PADMA SHRI 2025” to Dr.RAJASTAPATHI of Salem.
With thanks & warm Regards,
Yours sincerely,
