Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi

The Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, formally known as Akademi Ratna, constitute the highest honour conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s National Academy for Music, Dance, and Drama. The fellowship recognises individuals of exceptional merit who have made monumental contributions to the performing arts. Instituted to acknowledge lifelong dedication, mastery, and influence, the fellowship stands as a symbol of national gratitude and cultural prestige. It is awarded sparingly to preserve its exclusive stature, making it one of the most distinguished honours in India’s cultural landscape.
The fellows represent a wide range of artistic disciplines—classical and folk music, classical and folk dance, traditional theatre, puppetry, and various performing art traditions from across the country. Their contributions not only advance artistic excellence but also ensure the preservation, innovation, and transmission of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Background and Establishment

The Sangeet Natak Akademi was established in 1953 by the Government of India as an apex body to promote and preserve the performing arts. Along with annual awards, the Akademi introduced the fellowship—Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship—to honour individuals whose achievements reflect sustained excellence and national or international eminence.
Conferred by the General Council of the Akademi, the fellowship is limited in number, ensuring it remains an exclusive recognition. Traditionally, the upper limit for living fellows is kept low to maintain the fellowship’s prestige. Over the decades, the fellowship has been awarded to some of India’s most celebrated musicians, dancers, theatre practitioners, and cultural scholars.

Eligibility and Criteria

The fellowship is awarded on the basis of exceptional and lifelong contributions to the performing arts. Eligibility criteria typically include:

• Outstanding achievement at the national or international level.
• Long-term dedication to the advancement of music, dance, theatre, or allied arts.
• Mastery of traditional or classical art forms, with significant influence on peers and disciples.
• Contributions to research, documentation, teaching, or preservation of performing art traditions.
• Service to cultural enrichment and promotion of India’s intangible heritage.

Due to its elite nature, the fellowship is not granted annually unless there are candidates of extraordinary merit.

Fields Covered Under the Fellowship

The fellowship honours contributions across a broad cultural spectrum:

• Classical Music: Hindustani and Carnatic vocal and instrumental traditions.
• Classical Dance: Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Manipuri, and others.
• Traditional Theatre: Sanskrit theatre, regional theatre forms, and folk theatrical traditions.
• Folk and Tribal Arts: Traditional music, dance, and performance forms from rural and tribal India.
• Puppetry: Various puppetry traditions such as Kathputli, shadow puppetry, rod puppetry, and glove puppetry.
• Other Allied Arts: Musicology, ethnomusicology, stagecraft, choreography, and artistic scholarship.

This range reflects the Akademi’s holistic approach to preserving and promoting India’s cultural diversity.

Selection Procedure

The process of selecting fellows involves several stages:

• Nomination: Proposals are submitted by Akademi members, experts, or cultural bodies.
• Scrutiny: Committees examine the contributions, impact, and legacy of nominated individuals.
• General Council Approval: Final selections are made by the General Council of the Akademi.
• Announcement: Names of the selected fellows are formally declared.

The rigorous procedure ensures that only individuals of exceptional calibre receive the fellowship.

Notable Fellows

Over the years, the fellowship has been conferred upon some of India’s most distinguished artists. Examples of eminent fellows include:

• Renowned vocalists from Hindustani and Carnatic traditions.
• Legendary instrumentalists such as veena, sitar, tabla, sarod, and violin maestros.
• Celebrated exponents of classical dance such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Odissi.
• Masters of traditional theatre forms including Yakshagana, Kutiyattam, and Manipuri theatre.
• Pioneers of puppetry and folk performance traditions.
• Distinguished scholars, critics, and musicologists who have enriched academic research in performing arts.

These fellows have collectively shaped India’s cultural identity through sustained excellence and global representation.

Honours and Benefits

The fellowship, apart from its symbolic value, includes:

• A formal citation detailing the fellow’s contributions.
• A cash honorarium, provided as a mark of national appreciation.
• Recognition at national platforms during Akademi ceremonies.
• Inclusion in cultural documentation, highlighting their legacy.

The honour brings national visibility and affirms the fellow’s position as a custodian of the performing arts.

Role and Contribution of the Fellows

Fellows of the Sangeet Natak Akademi contribute significantly to Indian cultural life:

• Preservation of traditions through teaching, performance, and transmission of knowledge.
• Innovation within classical frameworks, ensuring artistic evolution.
• Promotion of regional arts, helping lesser-known traditions achieve national recognition.
• Mentorship to young artists, ensuring continuity and future growth.
• Representation of India in international cultural exchanges and festivals.
• Scholarly contributions, including research publications, documentation, and archival work.

Their influence extends beyond performance, shaping cultural policy, pedagogy, and artistic perception.

Significance of the Fellowship

The fellowship holds great cultural and national importance:

• It acknowledges lifelong excellence and unparalleled contribution.
• It reinforces the value of performing arts in India’s cultural fabric.
• It motivates artists to pursue excellence despite challenges.
• It helps preserve India’s intangible cultural heritage across generations.
• It strengthens national pride by honouring masters who elevate Indian arts globally.

The fellowship thus plays a crucial role in sustaining artistic traditions and promoting cultural continuity.

Contemporary Relevance

In an era of rapid cultural change, the fellowship remains highly relevant. It:

• Encourages documentation and revival of endangered art forms.
• Highlights the need for supporting traditional artists in a modern media-dominated environment.
• Promotes inclusivity by recognising diverse cultural voices.
• Inspires young performers to uphold standards of artistic excellence.