Sirmaur’s Joginder Singh Habbi to receive Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2025

Shimla: Internationally acclaimed folk artist and world record holder Joginder Singh Habbi has been selected for the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2025, one of the highest honours in the field of performing arts in India. The award will be conferred by the President of India in recognition of his remarkable contribution to the preservation, promotion, and revival of the rich folk culture of Himachal Pradesh, particularly that of Sirmaur district.A native of Jalag village in Rajgarh tehsil of Sirmaur district, Habbi has devoted over three decades to safeguarding endangered folk traditions. Working closely with his mentor, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, he carried out extensive research on traditional art forms such as Thoda, Hati Nati, Singhtu Dance, Badhaltu Dance, and Dagyali Dance. Through stage adaptations and cultural outreach, he played a key role in bringing these fading traditions back into the public spotlight.His contributions have earned him recognition in the India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and World Book of Records. Previous recipients of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from Himachal Pradesh include Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik and Krishan Lal Sehgal (both from Sirmaur district), late Hetram Tanwar and Somdatt Battu.Folk singer Inder Jeet to be honouredMeanwhile, noted folk singer Inder Jeet from Kullu district has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 for his efforts to preserve Himachali culture and promote social awareness through music. As a crusader for social cause, Inder Jeet has recently released anti-drugs songs ‘Mat Karade Nasha' and ‘Chitta Mukt Himachal'. MSID:: 131659127 413 |