Archive · 9 Oct 2026
SharonPly Honours Five Woodcraft Masters at Seventh Awards
SharonPly gave awards to five people who are experts at making things from wood.
Their work includes temple chariots, carved figures, doors and other important structures.
The awards are part of the company’s annual #iamstrongest programme.
This year’s theme was “CARVED IN STRENGTH.”
The artisans use traditional skills that have often been passed down through families.
Some also teach others and help keep these skills alive.
Their projects can be found in India and, in some cases, overseas.
SharonPly said it hopes the awards will help more people appreciate skilled craftwork.
SharonPly honoured five woodcraft artisans at the seventh #iamstrongest Awards, themed “CARVED IN STRENGTH.”
The awardees were Perunthachar Appar Lakshmanan, Dr. R. Rangachari Sthapathi, S. Maasanam Achari, S. Thirunavukkarasu Sthapathi and Kumarasamy Ramesh Sthapathi.
Their work includes temple chariots, sculptures, doors, architectural woodwork and other traditional creations.
The artisans were also recognised for training others, sharing knowledge and supporting the artisan community.
SharonPly founder and managing director Vishnu Khemani said the awards aim to celebrate craft expertise and encourage its transfer across generations.
- Who
- SharonPly and the five honoured artisans: Perunthachar Appar Lakshmanan, Dr. R. Rangachari Sthapathi, S. Maasanam Achari, S. Thirunavukkarasu Sthapathi and Kumarasamy Ramesh Sthapathi.
- What
- The seventh #iamstrongest Awards honoured five masters of woodcraft.
- When
- The article identifies this as the 2026 edition and gives the date as October 9.
- Where
- Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
- Why
- To recognise the artisans’ craftsmanship, contributions to woodcraft traditions, and efforts to share knowledge and support other artisans.
- Awards
- Seventh edition of SharonPly’s annual #iamstrongest Awards
- 2026 theme
- “CARVED IN STRENGTH: Honouring Generations of Craftsmanship & Innovation”
- Number of awardees
- Five
- Awardees
- Perunthachar Appar Lakshmanan; Dr. R. Rangachari Sthapathi; S. Maasanam Achari; S. Thirunavukkarasu Sthapathi; Kumarasamy Ramesh Sthapathi
- Awards initiative launched
- 2019
- Company established
- 1987
- Company headquarters location stated
- Manufacturing facility in Gummidipoondi, near Chennai