New Delhi, August 14: President Droupadi Murmu has conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and Awards for 2024 and 2025 on eminent artists at a ceremony held to honour their contribution to India’s performing arts. Three artists from Odisha were among the awardees.

Odissi dance guru Bichitra Nanda Swain received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2024. Ranjit Kumar Nag was honoured in the Dance category for his contribution to Sambalpuri folk dance for the year 2024.

The third award went to theatre director Subodh Patnaik, who received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2025 in the Theatre category for direction.

Speaking on the occasion, President Murmu said the artists honoured at the ceremony collectively present a cultural map of India, reflecting the stories of the country’s soil, water and air through music and other art forms. She said India’s diverse traditions, dances, festivals, languages and dialects are reflected in its rich cultural heritage.

The President noted that Indian food, clothing, dance and music have deep connections with nature. Artists draw inspiration from birdsong, streams, trees, leaves, clouds and rivers while creating their works. She described the confluence of diversity and unity as one of the greatest strengths of Indian art.

Emphasising the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition, President Murmu said living gurus remain a vital source of knowledge in India’s artistic traditions. She called upon senior artists to make systematic efforts to train and prepare the next generation of artists.

President Murmu also described the Sangeet Natak Akademi as an important centre of India’s soft power. She expressed confidence that the Akademi would continue to take India’s cultural strength and heritage to audiences across the world.