President of India presents Sangeet Natak Akademi’s fellowships and Akademi Awards. Art binds the linguistic diversity and regional characteristics in one thread says President Murmu at Vigyan Bhawan
23 FEB 2023
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puruskar) for the year 2019, 2020 and 2021 in New Delhi today (February 23, 2023). In total more than 128 prestigious Sangeet Natak Academy Awards and fellowships were presented to outstanding veteran artists, directors, musicians, cultural activists, singers etc for 2019, 2020 and 2021 as the felicitations could not be done due to Covid 19 critical times.
Speaking on the occasion, the President said that the civilization showcases the material achievements of a nation but intangible heritage reveals through its culture. Culture is the real identity of a country. India’s unique performing arts have kept our incredible culture alive for centuries. Our arts and artists are the carriers of our rich cultural heritage. ‘Unity in diversity’ is the biggest feature of our cultural traditions.
The President said that in our tradition, art is a spiritual practice, a medium of the search for truth, a medium of prayer and worship, a medium of public welfare. Collective exuberance and unity also find expression through dance and music. Art binds the linguistic diversity and regional characteristics in one thread.
The President said that we should take pride in the fact that the oldest and best definitions and traditions of art have developed in our country. Our cultural values have become more useful in the modern era. In today’s time which is full of tension and conflict, Indian arts can spread peace and harmony. Indian arts are also the best example of India’s soft power.
The President said that just as nature’s gifts like air and water do not recognize human limitations, the art forms are also above language and geographical boundaries. The music of M. S. Subbulakshmi, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Bhupen Hazarika are unhindered by language or geography. With their immortal music, they have left an invaluable legacy for music lovers not only in India but all over the world.
The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism & Development of North Eastern Region G. Krishna Reddy , union minister of state for Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, chairman of Sangeet Natak Academy Dr. Sandra Puresha and Joint Secretary ministry of culture Mrs Uma Nanduri graced the occasion by their pivotal presence. It may be recalled that the seven recipients of Academy Fellowships got Rs three lakhs each with the Sangeet Natak Fellowship Awards whereas the other recipients of these awards other than fellowships got Rs One Lakh each as cash prize along with the citation / award trophy.
