Himachal folk artist Dr Joginder Habbi to receive Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from Prez Murmu

In a major achievement, internationally acclaimed folk artist and world record holder Dr Joginder Habbi is set to be conferred the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by President Droupadi Murmu. He has been selected for the honour in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the preservation, promotion and propagation of the folk culture and folk dances of Himachal Pradesh.

Active in the field for over three decades, Dr Habbi has dedicated himself to safeguarding the endangered folk traditions of Himachal Pradesh. Along with his cultural mentor, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, he has undertaken extensive research on traditional art forms such as Thoda, Hatti Nati, Singhtu Dance, Badhaltu Dance and Dagyali Naach. Through performances across the state, Dr Habbi helped bring these fading traditions back into the spotlight, reviving folk dances that were on the verge of losing their identity in the modern era.

He also established the Chureshwar Cultural Society and Aasra Sanstha, through which he has trained numerous artists and cultural troupes. These groups have gone on to perform Himachali folk dances across India as well as in several foreign countries.

Under his leadership, the folk dances of Sirmaur district have gained recognition at both national and international levels. Artists under Dr Habbi’s direction have performed in countries including Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. He is also credited with taking Thoda to international platforms for the first time.

Dr Habbi has published several research papers on folk culture and authored two books, while three more are awaiting publication. In addition, he has directed five documentaries on folk arts and a telefilm on Thoda, besides choreographing folk dances for numerous major cultural events.

Expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr Habbi thanked his spiritual mentor, Satguru Madhu Paramhans Sahib, and said the award was not merely a personal achievement but also a recognition of Himachal Pradesh’s rich folk and cultural heritage, which continues to be preserved by the state’s folk artists.

He also thanked his cultural mentor, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, members of his cultural troupe and fellow artists for keeping the state’s cultural traditions alive and showcasing them on global platforms.