Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Fellowships

The Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards and Fellowships represent the highest form of recognition in the field of performing arts in India, including music, dance, and theatre. These accolades are awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, which was set up in 1953. The awards aim to honor the exceptional contributions of artists to the cultural heritage of India. The Fellowships (Akademi Ratna) are conferred upon distinguished individuals for their lifetime achievements and are limited to 40 living recipients at any given time, while the Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) recognize excellence in the performing arts. Additionally, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is awarded to young artists to encourage their talent in the field of performing arts. These awards and fellowships not only celebrate the artists’ individual contributions but also aim to inspire future generations to preserve and promote India’s diverse cultural traditions.