Sangeet Natak Akademi
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | December 22, 2003 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Rs. 15 |
| Quantity | 100,000 |
| Printing Process | Offset Lithography |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Shri Kamleshwar Singh Smt. Alka Sharma |
Stamps in this Miniature Sheet
Preserving and Promoting India’s Performing Arts Heritage
Cultural Roots and Artistic Expression
Civilization finds its reflection in its cultural patterns, and the classical arts of India vividly portray both its ancient roots and its continuous evolution. These art forms serve as a visual and performative commentary on abstract thought, shaped and nurtured over centuries through the patronage of kings and statesmen. After Independence, India felt an urgent need to preserve and promote this vast cultural legacy of music, dance and drama, leading to the establishment of a national institution dedicated to the performing arts.
Establishment of the Sangeet Natak Akademi
The Sangeet Natak Akademi was established on 28 January 1953 with the objective of providing an institutionalised system of support and patronage to India’s performing arts. The vision behind its creation was eloquently expressed by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Union Minister of Education, who emphasised that traditions cannot merely be preserved but must be created afresh, and that the State, as the representative of the people’s will, bears the responsibility of nurturing and developing the arts.
Role as the Apex Body for Performing Arts
As the apex public body in the field of performing arts, the Akademi has played a pivotal role in opening new vistas for India’s artistic traditions. It has fostered cultural interaction among different regions of India and strengthened artistic ties between India and the rest of the world. The Akademi also advises and assists the Government of India in formulating and implementing cultural policies and programmes related to the performing arts.
Institutional Framework and National Projects
The Sangeet Natak Akademi functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India, and is fully funded for implementing its schemes and programmes. To nurture excellence and train future generations, it has established premier institutions such as the National School of Drama, Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy at Imphal, and Kathak Kendra – National Institute of Kathak Dance in New Delhi.
In addition, the Akademi has undertaken National Projects to revive and rejuvenate ancient dance forms including Kutiyattam (Kerala), Chhau (Odisha) and Sattriya (Assam).
Akademi Awards and Fellowships
To honour outstanding contributions to the performing arts, the Akademi has instituted the Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, recognising meritorious service by practising artists. The Akademi Fellowships, the highest honour, are conferred upon living masters of exceptional distinction. Eminent fellows include Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, Ebrahim Alkazi, Kapila Vatsyayan, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Mrinalini Sarabhai, Birju Maharaj, Ammannur Madhava Chakyar, Badal Sircar, Vijay Tendulkar, Balamurali Krishna and Bhupen Hazarika, among many others.
Archives, Research and Documentation
The Akademi serves as a treasure house of archives, preserving audio and video recordings, photographs, films and rare manuscripts. Its reference library houses valuable books and unpublished works, while its collection includes over 600 rare musical instruments and dance costumes. A dedicated gallery of musical instruments, inaugurated by renowned violinist Lord Yehudi Menuhin at Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi, displays more than 200 instruments. These resources support research, documentation and dissemination of India’s performing arts heritage.
Grants and Cultural Support
The Akademi extends grants-in-aid to individual artists and cultural organisations engaged in advanced training, research, surveys and performance activities in music, dance and drama, thereby ensuring continuity and growth of artistic traditions.
Golden Jubilee Commemoration
The Sangeet Natak Akademi completed fifty illustrious years of dedicated service to Indian performing arts. To mark this Golden Jubilee, the Department of Posts celebrates the Akademi’s enduring legacy with the release of a set of three commemorative postage stamps and a miniature sheet, capturing the vibrant spirit and timeless beauty of India’s performing arts traditions.