India's Living Treasure - Master puppeteer with global message

Master Puppeteer Mr Mahipat Rai Kavi, earned recognition from India's President

Captivating children

Audience at Diwali celebrations, TSB Arena

Family business, grandson Devang Kavi one of the puppet troupe

Stories designed to educate rural Indian communities about family planning, HIV awareness and women's rights

Hand made puppets and simple props easy to tour through villages in rural India

Puppets have universal appeal

Family business, daughter Pallavi Vyas also part of her father's puppet troupe

Family business, son Bhushan Kavi part of his father's puppet troupe

Indian Puppets with a Serious message: International Indian Puppeteer Mahipat Kavi and his touring theatre company use puppets to bring serious messages to life on social issues such as AIDS, family planning and the environment with his award winning puppet serials for television and educational films in India and abroad. Now Mahipat and Puppets and Plays are performing in Wellington. Lynda meets Mahipat and the team back stage to learn more from the renowned puppet master about his mission and its impacts and how puppet stories can carry tough messages to the masses.