GUWAHATI: Twelve distinguished artistes from Assam have been included in the list of prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardees for the years 2022–23.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took to his social media handle to extend his heartfelt congratulations to all the winners from Assam.
He stressed that the accolade serves as a proof to their unwavering dedication to their respective crafts.
“Heartiest congratulations to all the winners from Assam of the Sangeet Natak Akademi 2022-23 and Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellow 2022. This honour is a testament to your dedication towards your chosen craft,” he wrote, posting a graphic with names of all the winners on a micro-blogging website.
The recipients of the awards encompass a diverse range of talent.
Renowned theatre personality Dulal Roy has been conferred the esteemed Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship (Akademi Ratna) for his significant contributions to the field.
Other names include Gobinda Saikia for Sattriya, Karuna Borah for Ankiya Bhaona, Gunakar Dev Goswami for Direction, Tarawati Bori for Folk/Traditional Music, and Lakshahira Das for overall contribution in performing arts, all for the year 2022. Additionally, Bhaben Borbayan has been recognised for Sattriya for the year 2023.
Furthermore, Dimpy Baishya for Sattriya, Mukunda Nath for Mime, and Binita Devi for Puppetry are among those to receive the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purashkar for 2022, while Mukunda Saikia for Sattriya and Meghranjani Medhi for Kathak have been chosen for the same award for 2023.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, also known as the Akademi Puraskar, represent the highest national recognition in India for performing arts.
Established by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, these awards have been honouring outstanding achievements and excellence in the performing arts since 1952.
Recipients of the awards receive a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000 along with a Tamrapatra (citation) and an Angavastram (shawl).
Similarly, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Purashkar carries an honorarium of Rs. 25,000 in addition to the Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
The recipients will be honoured by the President of India in a special ceremony in New Delhi.
