SHILLONG, MAR 7: Meghalaya’s distinguished folk and traditional artist Helen Giri, who for ages promoted folk songs and dance, mesmerising listeners for decades through the All India Radio, has been honoured by President of India Droupadi Murmu who conferred the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (AkademiPuraskar) for the years 2022 and 2023 to 91 eminent artists (two joint award) in the field of performing arts in a special investiture ceremony held on Wednesday at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Helen Giri received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for the year 2023 for her contribution to the folk and traditional music of Meghalaya.

The Akademi Awards have been conferred since 1952. These honours not only symbolize the highest standard of excellence and achievement, but also recognize sustained individual work and contribution. The honour of Akademi Fellow carries a purse money of Rs.3, 00, 000/- (Rupees three lakhs) while the Akademi Award carries a purse money of Rs.1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), besides a Tamrapatra and Angavastram.

Born on 7th of February 1944, Helen Giri is a distinguished folk and traditional artist from Meghalaya, renowned for her tireless efforts in the promotion and preservation of Khasi dance.

A top-grade folk singer of All India Radio, she was instrumental in bringing Khasi traditional music to national platforms. Her performances as a singer at various State, National, and International levels have garnered widespread recognition.

She not only actively participated in numerous programmes and festivals, but has also organized festivals dedicated to traditional music and dance in Meghalaya, which have been warmly embraced by the community. Through her dedicated work, she has sparked a revival in the field of arts and culture, particularly in the context of Khasi traditions.

She has also taken initiatives to identify Master Craftsmen skilled in various categories of musical instruments. This endeavour has not only preserved the artistry but also served as an avenue for income generation in the villages she has supported. Her multifaceted contributions have significantly enriched the cultural landscape of Meghalaya.

Helen Giri received the Padma Shri for her contribution to the Arts and Culture of Meghalaya in the year 2008.

Apart from the presentation of Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, the President has also conferred the Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (Akademi Ratna) to following eminent artists for their exceptional contribution to his/her field in performing arts in award ceremony. The Sangeet NatakAkademi Fellowship (AkademiRatna) is the highest honour given to the artists in the field of performing arts.

Vinayak Khedekar, Goa , Indian Music
R. Visweswaran, Karnataka, Indian Music
SunayanaHazarilal, Maharashtra, Indiana Dance
Raja & Radha Reddy, Delhi, Indian Dance (Joint Fellowship)
Dulal Roy, Assam, Indian Theatre
D.P. Sinha, Uttar Pradesh, Indian Theatre

Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER, G. Kishan Reddy, MoS for Law & Justice (Independent Charge) and Parliamentary Affairs and Culture Arjun Ram Meghwal, Secretary, Ministry of Culture Govind Mohan and Chairman, Sangeet Natak Akademi Dr Sandhya Purecha were also present at the award investiture ceremony.

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