New Delhi: In a ceremony held at the Vigyan Bhawan, President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards to 94 artists from various fields of performing arts for their exceptional contributions in 2022 and 2023.
During the event, Murmu also bestowed the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship upon seven eminent artists, including a joint fellowship, recognising their outstanding achievements in the realm of performing arts.
In her address, President Murmu emphasised the significant role of performing arts in India’s cultural heritage. She highlighted the revered status accorded to art forms since ancient times, drawing parallels between Bharat Muni’s Natya Shastra and the Vedas, referring to it as the fifth Veda. She lauded the breadth and comprehensiveness of the art form as presented in Natyashastra, describing it as exceptional in comparison to any other book worldwide.
Murmu further acknowledged the transformative power of art, stating that artists have played a pivotal role in challenging stereotypes and prejudices through their creative expressions. She emphasised the role of art in awakening society and highlighted the significance of India’s arts as a testament to its soft power, integral to the country’s foreign policy.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2022-23 recognise the outstanding achievements of artistes across various disciplines, including Hindustani and Carnatic vocal music, Hindustani and Carnatic instrumental music, Sugam Sangeet, major forms of Indian dance such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Chhau, Odissi, Sattriya, Mohiniattam, and contemporary dance.
The prestigious awards also honour artists with diverse specialisations in theatre, including playwriting, direction, acting, make-up, and lighting, as well as other significant traditions of theatre like Ramleela, Ankiya Bhaona, and Kutiyattam.
Among the recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship are folklorist and author Vinayak Khedekar, veena player R Visweswaran, Kathak dancer Sunayana Hazarilal, Kuchipudi dancing couple Raja and Radha Reddy, theatre director Dulal Roy, and playwright DP Sinha.
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The Sangeet Natak Fellow carries a prize money of Rs 3 lakh, while the Akademi award carries a prize money of Rs 1 lakh, along with a ‘tamrapatra’ and ‘angavastram.’
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2022-23 celebrate the rich tapestry of India’s performing arts and recognise the exceptional talents of the artists who contribute to its vibrant cultural heritage.
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