Bhubaneswar: The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, has announced the recipients of its prestigious Fellowships and Awards for the years 2022 and 2023 on Wednesday, recognizing outstanding contributions in various artistic categories. Notably, six artists from Odisha have been bestowed with these esteemed awards.
In the dance category, distinguished Odissi dance guru Niranjan Rout has been honored with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puruskar) for the years 2022, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the realm of Odissi dance.
Snehaprava Samantaray, an eminent Odissi Dance Guru and former lecturer at the Utkal Sangeet Mahavidyala, has been honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi dance for the year 2023, recognizing her significant role in shaping the future of Odissi dance through her teachings and mentorship.
Renowned vocalist and scholar, Sangita Gosain, has been named the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Odissi music for the year 2023. Her mastery of Odissi music and scholarly contributions have earned her this prestigious recognition.
Arupa Gayatri Panda has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2022 in the category of dance for Odissi, a testament to her promising talent and significant contributions to the art form.
In the realm of Odissi dance, Debasish Pattnaik has been honored with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2023, acknowledging his commendable achievements and promising potential as a young artist.
Alok Bishoyi, excelling in the domain of folk dance and music, has been awarded the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the year 2023, recognizing his significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk traditions.
The recognition from the Sangeet Natak Akademi reflects not only the individual excellence of these artists but also the rich cultural tapestry of Odisha. These awards serve as a testament to the state’s vibrant artistic heritage and the dedication of its artists to preserve and propagate their cultural legacy.