Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam gave away the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards for the year 2005, for outstanding contribution in the field of performing arts at a special ceremony here today.

Presenting the awards, Dr. Kalam said that music touches the heart and mind and evolves good human beings and society. He called upon the artists to use performing art for achieving the unity of minds. “I am fully convinced that if this happens, the disturbing acts like conflicts and terrorism, etc. could be reduced” he said. 

Expressing concern over lack of encouragement to the performers from non-urban areas, the President said “on one hand, there is a decline in the interest of the younger generation towards classical art forms. On the other hand, many young artists from all over the country, especially from small villages and towns, who in spite of the interest in art are finding it difficult to enter and pursue the performing art forms?”  He asked the Sangeet Natak Academi to encourage the young and budding artists as  culture needs nourishment in the form of young performers.

            On the occasion, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Smt. Ambika Soni said that Government is making all efforts to protect and celebrate our cultural diversities.  The Academi awards will inspire the younger generation to follow the footsteps of the great artists, she added. 

            The names of artist/scholars honoured with coved Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards in the form of Rs. 50,000/- in cash, a Tamrapatra and a Shawl are:

NCJ/DT