The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puruskar) for the years 2019, 2020, and 2021 in New Delhi today, February 23, 2023.

The Akademi’s fellowship (Akademi Ratna) carries purse money of Rs. 3,00,000 (Rupees Three Lakhs only) and Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) carry purse money of Rs. 1,00,000 (Rupees One Lakh only). The award also carries a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

Statement by the President of India

Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “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”.

She further said, “In our tradition, art is a spiritual practice, a medium of the search for truth, a medium of prayer and worship, and a medium of public welfare. Collective exuberance and unity also find expression through dance and music. Art binds linguistic diversity and​​regional characteristics in one thread”.

Droupadi Murmu said, “Indian arts are also the best example of India’s soft power”. “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”, she added.

The President of India stated 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 is 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.

G. Kishan Reddy, Minister of Culture, Tourism and DoNER, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs & Culture, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi, Uma Nadnuri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture were present at the awards ceremony.

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