Sangeet Natak Akademi Award presented to Dr. Jogendra Habi by the President
President Draupadi Murmu presented the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award to internationally renowned folk artist Dr. Jogendra Habi for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of the rich folk cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh, especially Sirmaur. He was presented with this prestigious honor for his long-standing cultural pursuits in the field of folk dance at a grand ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi.
Organized by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the ceremony was inaugurated by President Smt. Draupadi Murmu by lighting the lamp. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Union Minister of Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union Minister of State for Culture Rao Inderjit Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Vivek Agrawal, and President of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr. Sandhya Purcha.
In a joint statement, Padma Shri awardee, senior litterateur and expert on folk culture Vidyanand Saraik, and Ustad Bismillah Khan Award-winning folk artist Gopal Habibi said that Dr. Jogendra Habibi has worked tirelessly for the preservation of many traditional and endangered folk genres, including Sirmauri Naati, for over three decades. Under his leadership, folk artists have established the unique identity of Sirmauri Haati culture on thousands of platforms in India and abroad, while maintaining the originality of folk instruments, folk songs, folk dances, and traditional folk costumes.
Dr. Habibi’s efforts to bring national and international recognition to Sirmauri Nati have been recognized through various international records. He has also been awarded an honorary doctorate by a foreign university for his long-term cultural pursuits.
On this occasion, hundreds of folk artists from various states, including Himachal Pradesh, congratulated Dr. Jogendra Habibi, saying that the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is not only a recognition of his personal contribution, but also a proud achievement for the Hati culture of Sirmaur and the rich folk traditions of Himachal. They expressed confidence that this honor will energize efforts to preserve folk arts and connect the new generation with their cultural roots.
