President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (AkademiPuraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 91 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts in the special investiture ceremony held today, i.e., 6th March 2024 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Out of 94 artists selected for Akademi Awards, three (3) artists could not attend the award ceremony due to ailing health. However, Akademi will arrange to deliver their plaque and other award material to them in the coming days.
Apart from the presentation of Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, the President has also conferred the Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to following eminent artists for their exceptional contribution to his/her field in performing arts in award ceremony. The Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (AkademiRatna) is the highest honour given to the artists in the field of performing arts.
1. Vinayak Khedekar, Goa , Indian Music
2. R. Visweswaran, Karnataka, Indian Music
3. SunayanaHazarilal, Maharashtra, Indiana Dance
4. Raja & Radha Reddy, Delhi, Indian Dance (Joint Fellowship)
5. Dulal Roy, Assam, Indian Theatre
6. D.P. Sinha, Uttar Pradesh, Indian Theatre
Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs and CultureShri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Shri Govind Mohan and Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Sandhya Purecha were also present at the award investiture ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, the Presidentsaid that art is not just for the sake of art. It also has social purpose. She added that there are many such examples in history, when artists used their art for social welfare. Artists have been contributing to awakening of society through their creations. Indian art is the best example of India’s soft-power.The President said that today mental issues like stress and depression are increasing. There are several reasons for this. One of the reasons could be focusing more on material happiness rather than spirituality. She stated that connection with art makes us creative. Art provides a way to discover truth and gives meaning to life.The President said that art and artists have worked to weave the diversity of India into the thread of unity. By doing this, they have also fulfilled the fundamental duties enshrined in the Constitution.
The President appreciated Sangeet Natak Akademi for promoting various art forms for the last seven decades. She said that the work done by the Akademi in the field of performing arts and intangible heritage is very important.The President congratulated all the recipients of Akademi’s Fellowship and Awards and expressed confidence that they will continue to enrich the Indian art tradition through various forms and genres of music and drama.
Addressing during the ceremony, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy saidthat this award ceremony reflects not only the artistic talents but also the cultural diversity of our country. Through various fellowships and awards, the Government of India will continue to empower our performing arts, which are among our most treasured soft power, the Minister added . He lauded the Sangeet NatakAkademi for carrying out thework for preservation and promotion of performing arts in different parts of the countryand strengthening and protecting our intangible cultural heritage. The Minister highlighted that more than 100 rare art forms which were on the verge of extinctionare now being revived through training programmes under the name of ‘Kala Deeksha’ by the Akademi.
MoS Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, in his address, highlighted that artists play a significant role in preserving our rich heritage and culture.
The Akademi Awards are being conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
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