Shillong, March 6: President of India Droupadi Murmu conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2023 on Helen Giri for her contribution to the folk and traditional music of Meghalaya.
Altogether 91 eminent persons were awarded in the field of performing arts for 2022 and 2023 at a function held on Wednesday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Born on 7 February 1944, Giri is a distinguished folk and traditional artiste from Meghalaya, renowned for her tireless efforts in the promotion and preservation of Khasi dance. As a top-grade folk singer of All India Radio, she has been instrumental in bringing Khasi traditional music to national platforms. Her performances as a singer at various State, National, and International levels have garnered widespread recognition.
Giri not only participated in numerous programmes and festivals, but has also organised festivals dedicated to traditional music and dance in Meghalaya, which have been warmly embraced by the community. Through her dedicated work, she has sparked a revival in the field of arts and culture, particularly in the context of Khasi traditions. Furthermore, she has taken initiatives to identify skilled master craftsmen in various categories of musical instruments. This endeavour has not only preserved the artistry but also served as an avenue for income generation in the villages she has supported. Her multifaceted contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Meghalaya.
Giri had received the Padma Shri for her contribution to the Arts and Culture of Meghalaya in 2008.
Other awards
Apart from the presentation of Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, the President has also conferred the Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to following eminent artistes for their exceptional contribution to his/her field in performing arts in award ceremony. The Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (AkademiRatna) is the highest honour given to the artistes in the field of performing arts.
- Vinayak Khedekar, Goa , Indian Music
- R. Visweswaran, Karnataka, Indian Music
- Sunayana Hazarilal, Maharashtra, Indiana Dance
- Raja & Radha Reddy, Delhi, Indian Dance (Joint Fellowship)
- Dulal Roy, Assam, Indian Theatre
- D.P. Sinha, Uttar Pradesh, Indian Theatre
Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan and Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Sandhya Purecha were also present at the award investiture ceremony.
The Akademi awards were instituted in 1952. These honours not only symbolise the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognise sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs 3 lakh while the Akademi award carries a purse money of Rs 1 lakh besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
