Shillong (Meghalaya ), March 7 :Smt Helen Giri from Meghalaya received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2023 for her contribution to the folk and traditional music of Meghalaya.
President Smt. Droupadi Murmu also conferred Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 91 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts in a special investiture ceremony held yesterday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.
Born on Feb 7 1944, Helen Giri is a distinguished folk and traditional artist from Meghalaya, renowned for her tireless efforts in the promotion and preservation of Khasi dance.
As a top-grade folk singer of All India Radio, she has been instrumental in bringing Khasi traditional music to national platforms. Her performances as a singer at various State, National, and international levels have garnered widespread recognition.
Giri not only has actively participated in numerous programmes and festivals but has also organized festivals dedicated to traditional music and dance in Meghalaya, which have been warmly embraced by the community.
Through her dedicated work, she has sparked a revival in the field of arts and culture, particularly in the context of Khasi traditions. Furthermore, she has taken initiatives to identify Master Craftsmen skilled in various categories of musical instruments.
This endeavor has not only preserved the artistry but also served as an avenue for income generation in the villages she has supported. Her multifaceted contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Meghalaya.
Earlier, Helen Giri received the Padma Shri for her contribution to the Arts and Culture of Meghalaya in the year 2008.
Apart from the presentation of Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, the President has also conferred the Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to six eminent artists for their exceptional contribution to his/her field in performing arts in award ceremony.
The Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) is the highest honour given to the artists in the field of performing arts. Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, MoS for Law & Justice and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan and Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Sandhya Purecha were also present at the award investiture ceremony.
The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs.1,00,000/- , besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.
