 |
| Honoring Artistic Excellence- Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards & Fellowship |
President Droupadi Murmu of India is set to confer the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 upon 94 distinguished artists. These awards, spanning various realms of performing arts such as music, dance, drama, folk & tribal arts, puppetry, and allied theatre art forms, epitomize the pinnacle of achievement and excellence in the field.
In addition to the Akademi Awards, President Murmu will also bestow the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) upon 7 eminent artists, including one joint fellowship recipient. The Akademi Fellowship stands as the highest honor in the realm of performing arts, recognizing individuals for their exceptional contributions to their respective art forms. With a maximum of 40 recipients at any given time, this fellowship is a rare and prestigious accolade.
The significance of the Akademi Awards stretches back to 1952, symbolizing not only outstanding artistic work but also acknowledging sustained individual contributions to the performing arts landscape. These awards serve as a beacon of excellence, setting the standard for achievement in the field.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship is bestowed without distinction of nationality, race, caste, religion, creed, or sex, underscoring its universal recognition of talent and dedication. The criteria stipulate that individuals below the age of 50 are not ordinarily considered for this honor. Recommendations for fellowship recipients come from current fellows and members of the General Council of the Akademi.
Both the Akademi Fellowship and Award come with monetary rewards, with the fellowship carrying a purse of Rs. 3,00,000/- (Rupees three lakhs) and the award Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh). Additionally, recipients will be presented with a Tamrapatra and Angavastram, symbolic of their remarkable achievement.
Established by the Government of India, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, also known as the National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting India's rich cultural heritage since its inception in 1952. Inaugurated by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of India, the academy serves as the apex body for the performing arts, collaborating with governments and art academies across the nation to foster artistic endeavors and showcase India's diverse cultural tapestry