Meghalaya’s Helen Giri was one of 91 artists who were conferred with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2022 and 2023 yesterday by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.
A special investiture ceremony was held yesterday in New Delhi. Giri received the award for 2023 for her contribution to folk and traditional music of Meghalaya.
Born on February 7, 1944, Giri, a Padma Shri, is a distinguished folk and traditional artist, 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 organised festivals dedicated to traditional music and dance in Meghalaya.
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 endeavour has not only preserved the artistry but also served as an avenue for income generation in the villages she has supported.
Union ministers G Kishan Reddy and Arjun Ram Meghwal, Secretary in the Union Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan and Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Sandhya Purecha, were also present at the award investiture ceremony.
The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolise the highest standard of excellence and achievement but also recognise sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Award carries a purse of Rs 1 lakh.
