ANU faculty member wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

Pavani Pasumarthi, a Carnatic music faculty member at Acharya Nagarjuna University (ANU), received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for her contribution to Kuchipudi music. The Sangeet Natak Akademi presented the award at Rabindra Bhavan in New Delhi on 19 October 2026. Union Minister for Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat handed it to her.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is conferred on young artists for talent and promise in Indian music, dance and other performing arts. It is open to artists up to 40 years of age. The award is named after Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai maestro who received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.

A total of 106 young artists received the award for 2024 and 2025 at the ceremony. Each award carries ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra, or copper plaque, and an Angavastram.

Kuchipudi and Carnatic Music

Kuchipudi is a classical dance form associated with Andhra Pradesh and takes its name from Kuchipudi village. Its repertoire includes dance, music and dramatic elements. Carnatic music is a classical music tradition of southern India and is performed vocally and instrumentally.

Pasumarthi’s award was given for her contribution to Kuchipudi music. She is a faculty member at Acharya Nagarjuna University, a university located in Andhra Pradesh.

Sangeet Natak Akademi

The Sangeet Natak Akademi is India’s national academy for music, dance and drama. Established in 1953, it is an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture. Its awards recognise contributions to the performing arts.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ustad Bismillah Khan was a shehnai player and received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
• The Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1953.
• Kuchipudi is named after a village in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar carries a cash prize of ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.

The award ceremony for the 2024 and 2025 recipients took place at Rabindra Bhavan on 19 October 2026. Pasumarthi received the award for her contribution to Kuchipudi music.