Lok Sabha Question No. 1699 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-31
Subject: Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
Ministry: CULTURE
Asked by: Anil Firojiya

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CULTURE

## LOK  SABHA

## UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1699 (H)

TO BE ANSWERED ON 31.07.2023

## SANGEET NATAK AKADEMI FELLOWSHIP

1699(H): SHRI ANIL FIROJIYA:

Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:

- a) the details of Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships and the qualification required for the same;
- b) whether any step has been taken to develop the oldest and best definitions and traditions of art in the country; and
- c) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF CULTURE, TOURISM & DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION (G.KISHAN REDDY)

## ANSWER

- (a)   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.

- (b)   &  (c)  Yes  Sir.  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 (detailed below) dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditional performing arts of India.

1. Kutiyattam  Kendra,  Thiruvananthapuram  for  preservation  and  promotion  of the age-old Sanskrit theatre of Kerala, Kutiyattam.
2. Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati for training and promotion of Sattriya traditions of Assam.
3. North-East Centre, Guwahati for preserving the traditional and folk performing art traditions of north-eastern India.
4. North-East Documentation Centre, Agartala for festival and field documentation in the North-east.
5. 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.