I AM STRONGEST AWARD – 7th Edition
The seventh edition of SharonPly’s annual ‘I AM STRONGEST’ Awards, themed ‘CARVED IN STRENGTH – Honouring Generations of Craftsmanship & Innovation’, honoured five masters of woodcraft whose skill, dedication and ingenuity continue to preserve India’s rich craft traditions. Their contributions span temple chariots, sacred sculptures, monumental doors and architectural woodwork, carrying generations of knowledge forward while embracing innovation.
SharonPly honoured the following on 7 October 2026 at Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road, Chennai:
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. A recipient of the Poompuhar State Award for 2011–2012, he has also authored ten books on carpentry and trained 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 reflects both the intricate detailing of traditional sculpture and his 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 for about 55 years, working with 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 carries forward 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, specialising in traditional woodcraft and large temple timber structures. Among his major projects are the 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 at the event, Mr. Vishnu Khemani, Founder and Managing Director of SharonPly, said:
“A finished creation reflects not just skill, but years of learning, discipline and experience.”
He emphasised the importance of recognising the makers behind remarkable wooden creations, celebrating their expertise and encouraging the transfer of traditional knowledge to future generations.
