Gaddam Sammaiah

Gaddam Sammaiah is an Chindu Yakshaganam theatre artist from Jangaon in Telangana, India.

He has been performing this art form for over five decades, with more than 19,000 shows addressing social issues such as total literacy and environmental protection through his art.

Sammaiah founded Chindu Yaksha Kalakarula Sangham and Gaddam Sammaiah Yuva Kala Kshetram to promote this art.

[1] In 2024 Government of India awarded him with Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.

[2][3][4] Gaddam Sammaiah was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2024 on the eve of the 75th Republic Day celebrations, India's fourth-highest civilian award for his outstanding contribution to the arts and society.