94 get Sangeet Natak Akademi awards

New Delhi, March 6

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President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the years 2022 and 2023 to 94 artistes in the field of music, dance, drama, folk and tribal arts, puppetry and allied theatre art forms.

In the region, three artistes from Punjab, two from Jammu and Kashmir, one from Ladakh, three from Uttarakhand, four from Rajasthan, two from Delhi and one from Haryana received the awards. Veteran actor Ashok Saraf was also conferred the award for his contribution to the Indian theatre.

Highlighting that art had a social purpose, Murmu said there were several examples in history, when artistes used their art for social welfare. “Artistes have been contributing to the awakening of society through their creations. Indian art is the best example of India’s soft-power. Mental issues like stress and depression are increasing. There are several reasons for this. One of the reasons could be focusing more on material happiness rather than spirituality. Connection with art makes us creative. Art provides a way to discover truth and gives meaning to life,” Murmu said.

Born in Kapurthala, Punjab, Harvinder Kumar Sharma received the award for the year 2023 for his contribution to Hindustani instrumental music. With a career spanning six decades he has showcased his musical brilliance on prestigious stages worldwide, including Russia, Canada and New Zealand.