Pune-based Vocalist Nandini Rao Gujar Receives Prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

(from left): Joravar Singh Jadhav, Uma Nanduri, Arunish Chawla, Dr. Sandhya Purecha, and Raju Das

Award presentation by Sangeet Natak Akademi

PUNE: Pune-based vocalist Nandini Rao Gujar was recently honored with the prestigious ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for 2022-23 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. She received the award in the Sugam Sangeet category at an event held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The award was presented by Arunish Chawla- Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and includes a citation and a cash prize of ₹25,000.

The event was graced by Uma Nanduri-Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Sandhya Purecha- Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Vice Chairperson Joravar Singh Jadhav, and Secretary Raju Das.

‘The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has been awarded annually since 2006. It recognizes promising young artists for their remarkable contributions in the fields of music, dance, drama, and traditional arts. Several renowned artists of the country have been honored with this award in the past.

Speaking on the occasion, Nandini Rao Gujar expressed her gratitude, stating, “Receiving the ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, named after Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, is an incredible honor and encouragement for me. Despite being away from South India, this recognition validates my efforts in the realm of Carnatic music. This award has inspired me to continue my journey in classical music.”

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