The land of Pazhauta was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award

A grand thanksgiving ceremony was held at the Habi Mansingh Arts Center, Jalang, in honor of internationally renowned folk artist and cultural researcher Dr. Joginder Habi, who received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the President. Dr. Prem Sharma, former Director of the Himachal Pradesh Language and Culture Department, attended the ceremony as the chief guest, and Padmashree Vidyanand Saraik was the special guest.
The program was inaugurated by Chief Guest Dr. Prem Sharma and Padmashree Vidyanand Saraik by lighting the lamp. Following this, the auspicious sounds of drums, nagadas, and shehnai filled the land of Pajhouta with the colors of folk culture. At the ceremony, Dr. Joginder Habibi honored both guests with Himachali caps, shawls, and mementos.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Joginder Habibi has received more than 14 prestigious honors, including the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award. Among these are the Himachal Icon Award, Shikhar Samman, Sirmaur Ratna Samman, Citizen Felicitation Award, Honorary Doctorate, World Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, India Book of Records, Acharya Vishisht Award, Gaurav Samman, Himachal Nirmaan Dr. Y.S. Parmar Samman, Sirmaur Shri Samman, and Saindhar Samman.
Chief guest Dr. Prem Sharma said that Dr. Joginder Habibi has done remarkable work in the preservation, promotion, and research of Sirmaur’s ancient culture and civilization. His efforts have given Sirmaur’s folk culture a distinct identity both domestically and internationally, and Himachal’s cultural heritage has gained prestige. He urged Dr. Habibi to continue his cultural mission.
Padmashree Vidyanand Saraik said that Dr. Joginder Habibi has dedicated his life to preserving the vanishing folk arts of Sirmaur. He has worked for nearly 25 years to discover, document, and preserve various folk arts, including the ancient Singhtu, Baraltu, and Dagaili dances of Pazhouta. He added that Dr. Habibi has played a significant role in bringing Sirmaur’s folk culture to national and international recognition. His efforts have given the state’s cultural heritage a new identity.
Dr. Joginder Habibi, while welcoming the guests and gathering, said that the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award is not a personal honor for him, but rather an honor for the people of Sirmaur and Himachal Pradesh. He said that without the people’s blessings, support, and affection, he could not have reached this position. He expressed special gratitude to the officials, institutions, and colleagues who supported him in his long cultural endeavor.
Many dignitaries associated with culture, literature and folk arts including retired Second Secretary Education and Indian Embassy Afghanistan Gyan Chand Garg, President of Pazhouta Freedom Fighter Family Welfare Association Jai Prakash Chauhan, Dr. Hukam Sharma, Madan Himachali, Shakuntala Prakash, Dilip Vishisht, Jagmohan Mehta, Prempal Arya, Sherjang Chauhan and Yashpal Kapoor were present in the function.
On this occasion, the artists presented hill plays and entertained the people attending the program.