Farewell to a Maestro: Padma Shri Maguni Chandra Kuanr Passes Away

Padma Shri Maguni Chandra Kuanr, an eminent rod puppeteer, passed away at 88 in Odisha due to age-related ailments. Honored last year for preserving rod puppetry, his death was mourned by several dignitaries, including the President and Odisha's Chief Minister, who announced state honors for his last rites.

Padma Shri Maguni Chandra Kuanr, an eminent rod puppeteer, has passed away at the age of 88 at his residence in Odisha’s Keonjhar district, succumbing to old age-related ailments.

Kuanr, honored with the Padma Shri award by President Droupadi Murmu last year, was recognized for his significant contribution to the field of art, particularly for keeping the ancient tradition of rod puppetry alive. In this traditional form, puppets are maneuvered using rods from below.

President Murmu, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed their sorrow over Kuanr's demise. ''The footprints he left will always inspire,'' President Murmu stated on social media. Chief Minister Patnaik acknowledged Kuanr's pivotal role in reviving Odisha’s 'Kandhei Nach' tradition and ordered that his last rites be conducted with full state honours.