NewzVille Desk
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards to the eminent artists for the year 2024 and 2025 in New Delhi today (August 13, 2026).
Addressing the gathering, the President said that the performing artists honoured today collectively present a cultural map of India—a map woven with stories and songs native to this soil; a map that encompasses the dances and festivals of this diverse land and holds the memories of its languages and dialects, shaped over centuries.
The President said that we possess a multitude of musical traditions, dance styles, and countless forms of folk theatre. Indian culture is deeply rooted in the land. Its diverse culinary traditions, attire, dance forms, and music are all inspired by nature. Artists draw inspiration from chirping birds, babbling waterfalls, trees and foliage, clouds, and rivers to showcase their dance and music. This bond between diversity and unity is one of the greatest strengths of our arts.
She said that in today’s rapidly changing times, many of our folk art forms face the threat of extinction. It is essential not only to document such art forms but also to make special efforts to keep them alive. She was happy to note that the Sangeet Natak Akademi is organizing the ‘Kala-Diksha’ program with this very objective.
She urged senior artists to make systematic efforts to groom the next generation.
