The 2026 edition, themed “CARVED IN STRENGTH: Honouring Generations of Craftsmanship & Innovation,” celebrated the artisans behind some of the country’s most intricate wooden creations. From temple chariots and sacred sculptures to monumental doors and architectural woodwork, the awardees represent generations of knowledge, skill and perseverance that continue to sustain traditional craftsmanship.
The five awardees were Perunthachar Appar Lakshmanan, Dr. R. Rangachari Sthapathi, Thiru. S. Maasanam Achari, Thiru. S. Thirunavukkarasu Sthapathi and Thiru. Kumarasamy Ramesh Sthapathi. Their work spans temple and heritage projects across India and overseas, while their contributions extend beyond craftsmanship to training, knowledge-sharing and support for the wider artisan community.
Perunthachar Appar Lakshmanan was recognised for his innovative approach to traditional carpentry, including his distinctive wooden car, bike and household creations. A master carpenter from the Thiruvallur region, he has created temple chariots at several locations across Tamil Nadu, including the Tamil Ther at Chennai International Airport. He received the Poompuhar State Award for 2011–2012 and has authored ten books on carpentry while training students in wood sculpture.
Dr. R. Rangachari Sthapathi was honoured for carrying forward a 13-generation legacy of temple chariot making and traditional wood sculpture. Through Rangachari Traditional Wood Sculptures, he creates hand-carved sculptures, decorative panels and architectural woodwork rooted in Tamil Nadu’s craft traditions. His work combines the intricate detailing of traditional sculpture with a commitment to passing this knowledge on to future generations.
Thiru. S. Maasanam Achari was recognised for his mastery of large-scale wood carving using traditional hand tools. Based in Madurai, he continues a family craft tradition spanning about 55 years, working alongside his brothers to create deity figures, Chettinad-style doors and pooja mandapams. His family workshop has contributed wooden structural components to the Meenakshi Amman Temple’s Velli Ambalam silver mandapam and supplied carved pillars and deity sculptures to Malaysia.
Thiru. S. Thirunavukkarasu Sthapathi was honoured for his extensive contribution to crafting temple vahanams and preserving the intricate sculptural traditions associated with sacred processional works. A graduate of the Government College of Sculpture and Architecture, Mamallapuram, he continues his traditional practice through MARABU in Andipandal. His major works include a 62-foot chariot for the Sri Pandurangan–Rukmini Temple at Govindapuram and the 32-foot Athi Vinayagar sculpture, carved from athi wood, installed in Nagapattinam.
Thiru. Kumarasamy Ramesh Sthapathi was recognised for combining craftsmanship with a strong commitment to the welfare of fellow artisans. With more than two decades of experience, he leads Manasa Wood Creations, which specialises in traditional woodcraft and large temple timber structures. His major projects include 90 doors created for Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, handed over in November 2025, along with temple projects undertaken in India and overseas.
Speaking on the occasion, Vishnu Khemani, Founder and Managing Director of SharonPly, said, “A finished creation reflects not just skill, but years of learning, discipline and experience. Through this year’s I AM STRONGEST Awards, we place the maker at the centre, celebrating artisans whose expertise preserves traditional knowledge while evolving with contemporary needs. CARVED IN STRENGTH reflects SharonPly’s long standing association with wood and our respect for the craftsmanship that transforms it into functional, architectural and cultural creations. By honouring these masters of woodcraft, we hope to inspire greater appreciation for skilled craftsmanship and encourage the transfer of knowledge across generations. I AM STRONGEST continues to spotlight individuals whose achievements and contributions inspire others.”
Launched in 2019, the SharonPly I AM STRONGEST Awards celebrates individuals whose actions demonstrate strength, resilience and service to society. The first edition honoured wheelchair basketball player Malathi and social change maker Logammal.
In 2020, the awards paid tribute to frontline workers who lost their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2021 edition recognised everyday heroes who supported communities during the pandemic’s second wave. Both editions were held online.
In 2022, the platform focused on animal welfare, celebrating individuals whose work extended to birds, elephants and other animals. The 2024 edition honoured Tamil Nadu’s Olympic hockey legends, while the 2025 edition recognised retired senior Army officers who continue to contribute to public understanding as defence analysts.
With each edition, I AM STRONGEST has highlighted a different form of strength. In 2026, the spotlight turned to artisans whose names may be less familiar than the remarkable works they have created, recognising the skill, experience and dedication behind generations of craftsmanship.
Established in 1987, SharonPly offers plywood, decorative veneers, doors and related products. Its manufacturing facility is located in Gummidipoondi, near Chennai, and is described as India’s largest plywood manufacturing facility. The company’s connection with wood gives the 2026 edition of the I AM STRONGEST Awards particular significance, as it recognises the human skill, knowledge and dedication that transform wood into products, structures and cultural creations.
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