NEW DELHI, Nov 22: Four talented artists from Manipur have been conferred the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for their outstanding contributions to various performing art forms. The awards were presented during a grand ceremony on Friday held at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi, celebrating the recipients for the years 2022 and 2023.
The awardees from Manipur are:
1. Urmika Maibam (Manipuri Dance, 2022)
2. Moirangthem Kendra Singh (Nata Sankirtana, 2022)
3. Saikhom Pinky Devi (Creative and Experimental Music, 2023)
4. Pukhrambam Reepa Devi (Manipuri Dance, 2023)
A total of 82 young artists from across India were honoured during the ceremony, which also marked the commencement of a festival of performing arts.
The award ceremony will be followed by the festival of performing arts featuring the recipient of Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar at three different venues Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhawan, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi; Abhimanch Theatre, National School of Drama, Bhawalpur House, New Delhi and Vivekanand Auditorium, Kathak Kendra, Chanakyapuri from 22 to 26 November, 2024.
Instituted in 2006 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recognizes exceptional young performing artists under the age of 40 in music, dance, drama, folk and tribal arts, and puppetry. Named after Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, the award aims to encourage and motivate young talent in India’s rich cultural traditions.
The award includes a cash prize of ₹25,000, a plaque, and an angavastram. The ceremony is held annually in Delhi and occasionally outside the city to celebrate emerging artists who exemplify excellence in their respective art forms.
