The Sangeet Natak Akademi announced the prestigious fellowships and awards for the years 2024 and 2025 on June 15, 2026, celebrating the contributions of eminent artists to India’s cultural heritage. A total of seven artists received the Akademi Fellowship, the nation’s highest honour in the performing arts, while 108 individuals were selected for the Akademi Puraskar. These awards recognize exceptional merit in fields ranging from classical music and dance to traditional folk arts and puppetry.
Overview of the 2024 and 2025 Akademi Honours
The announcement of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards serves as a vital recognition of artistic excellence in India. For the years 2024 and 2025, the Akademi has selected a diverse group of practitioners who have demonstrated mastery in their respective fields. The selection process involves rigorous evaluation by the Akademi’s General Council, which consists of experts from various disciplines.
The honours are divided into three major categories: the Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna), the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar), and the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. Each award includes a Tamrapatra (citation) and an Angavastram (shawl), along with a significant cash prize. This year’s list reflects a balanced representation of both classical traditions and diverse regional folk forms, ensuring that the country’s pluralistic culture is adequately celebrated.
The Akademi Fellowship: India’s Highest Artistic Distinction
The Akademi Fellowship, also known as Akademi Ratna, is the highest honour conferred by the Akademi. It is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes the most distinguished masters of the performing arts. Due to its extreme prestige, the number of living fellows is restricted to a maximum of 40 individuals at any given time. For the combined cycle of 2024 and 2025, seven eminent artists have been inducted into this elite group.
Recipients of the Akademi Ratna receive a cash prize of ₹3 lakh. This fellowship is not tied to a specific performance or year but acknowledges a lifetime of dedication and influence in shaping India’s cultural landscape. The inclusion of new fellows is a rare event that occurs only when vacancies arise, making it one of the most sought-after recognitions for veteran artists.
Akademi Puraskar and Yuva Puraskar Categories
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar) is the primary national recognition for practicing artists. For the 2024-2025 period, 108 artists have been selected. The award covers a broad spectrum of the performing arts, including:
- Music: Hindustani and Carnatic (vocal and instrumental).
- Dance: Major classical forms such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak, and Odissi, as well as contemporary styles.
- Theatre: Including acting, direction, and playwriting.
- Traditional Arts: Folk music, tribal dance, and puppetry.
In addition to the senior awards, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is presented to young artists who have shown exceptional talent and promise before reaching the age of 40. This award was instituted in 2006 to encourage the next generation of performers. For the current cycle, 106 young recipients have been chosen.
| Award Category | Recipient Count | Cash Prize | Additional Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) | 7 | ₹3,00,000 | Tamrapatra and Angavastram |
| Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar) | 108 | ₹1,00,000 | Tamrapatra and Angavastram |
| Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar | 106 | ₹25,000 | Tamrapatra and Angavastram |
The Sangeet Natak Akademi: History and Mandate
The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama. It was established by a resolution of the Ministry of Education and was formally inaugurated on January 28, 1953, by the first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Akademi functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture and is headquartered at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi.
The first chairman of the Akademi was Dr. P.V. Rajamannar. The primary objective of the institution is to preserve and promote the vast intangible heritage of India’s diverse culture. It achieves this through various schemes, including the documentation of dying art forms, support for research, and the organization of festivals across the country. The Akademi also oversees several constituent units, such as the National School of Drama and the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy, which play a crucial role in artistic training and performance.
Significance of the Awards in the Performing Arts
The recognition provided by the Sangeet Natak Akademi is more than just a financial reward. It serves as a validation of an artist’s contribution to the nation’s identity. For many practitioners of folk and traditional arts, these awards bring much-needed visibility to their communities and ensure that their unique cultural expressions are recorded for future generations.
Furthermore, the simultaneous announcement of the Yuva Puraskar highlights the government’s commitment to sustaining the performing arts by nurturing young talent. By bridging the gap between established masters and emerging practitioners, the Akademi ensures the continuity of the Guru-Shishya Parampara, a foundational element of Indian artistic training. The inclusion of diverse fields like puppetry and tribal dance also demonstrates a comprehensive approach to cultural preservation, acknowledging that every form of expression contributes to the richness of India’s artistic legacy.
Key Takeaways
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi announced its prestigious fellowships and awards for 2024 and 2025 on June 15, 2026.
- The Akademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) was conferred upon 7 eminent artists and carries a cash prize of ₹3 lakh.
- The number of living Akademi Fellows is strictly restricted to a maximum of 40 individuals at any given time.
- A total of 108 artists received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (Akademi Puraskar), which includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
- The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, honoring artists up to the age of 40, was presented to 106 recipients.
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi was inaugurated on January 28, 1953, and functions under the Ministry of Culture with headquarters in New Delhi.
