Sangeet Natak Akademi Ratna (Fellow) has been conferred from 1952, symbolizing the highest standard of excellence on a national basis, recognizing the sustained individual work of the highest professional order and contribution to the practice and appreciation of these arts through teaching and scholarship. The Akademi Ratna (Fellow) is conferred, as per the existing constitutional provision under Rule 12(vi) of the Rules and Regulations of the Akademi. As per the rule, the fellow is elected by a majority of at least three – fourth of the members, of the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, present, and voting

The fellowship is considered for artistes of outstanding merit in the field of Music, Dance and Drama or such persons having rendered outstanding service to the cause of music, dance & drama through their scholarship, research or original contributions as Fellows of the Akademi, provided they have been recommended for the election by the Executive Board. The total number of fellows is limited to 40.

The Sangeet Natak Akademi through its constituent units, the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) at Imphal, and Kathak Kendra in Delhi offers teaching in Manipuri, and Kathak dance forms, respectively. The Kathak Kendra also provides training in vocal music and Pakhawaj.

 In addition to the constituent units, the Akademi presently has five centres dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional performing arts of India. Kutiyattam Kendra, Thiruvananthapuram for preservation and promotion of  the age-old Sanskrit theatre of Kerala, Kutiyattam. Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati for training and promotion of Sattriya traditions of Assam. North-East Centre, Guwahati for preserving the traditional and folk performing art traditions of north-eastern India. North-East Documentation Centre, Agartala for festival and field documentation in the North-east. Chhau Kendra, Chandankiyari for training and promotion of Chhau Dances of eastern India

The Akademi’s archive, comprising audio-video tapes, photographs, and films, is one of the largest in the country and is extensively drawn upon for research in the performing arts.

Through various events, activities and festivals, being organized at national, regional and grass root levels, the Akademi promotes and disseminates traditional art forms of the country. 

Under the “Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India”, a scheme of the Ministry of Culture, activities such as training programs to support students, artists, performers, practitioners, workshops, documentation, and database creation are carried out for strengthening, protecting, preserving and promoting the rich intangible cultural heritage of India.

This reply was given by Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Development of North-Eastern Region Shri G.Kishan Reddy in Lok Sabha today in a written reply.

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