Sangeet Natak Akademi

Preserver of India’s Performing Arts

Civilization finds expression through its cultural traditions, and the classical arts serve as both a reflection of its roots and a record of its evolution. In India, music, dance and drama have flourished over centuries, nurtured by the patronage of kings and statesmen. After independence, there arose a strong need to preserve and promote this vast cultural heritage, leading to the establishment of the Sangeet Natak Akademi on 28 January 1953.

Vision and Foundation

The vision behind the Akademi was eloquently expressed by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Union Minister of Education. He emphasised that India’s heritage of music, dance and drama must be cherished and developed not only for national pride but also as a contribution to global culture. He believed that traditions are not merely preserved but continuously recreated, and that the state has a responsibility to support and nurture the arts in a democratic society.

Role and Objectives

As the apex body for performing arts in India, the Akademi has played a crucial role in:

• Providing institutional support and patronage to artists
• Promoting cultural exchange within India and internationally
• Advising the Government of India on policies related to performing arts
• Preserving and revitalising traditional art forms

Today, it functions as an autonomous organisation under the Government of India, dedicated to sustaining the country’s artistic legacy.

Institutions and Initiatives

To promote excellence and training in the performing arts, the Akademi has established premier institutions such as:

• National School of Drama
• Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy
• Kathak Kendra

It has also undertaken national projects to revive ancient art forms like:

• Kutiyattam
• Chhau
• Sattriya

Awards and Recognition

The Akademi honours excellence through its prestigious awards:

• Akademi Awards for outstanding practising artists
• Akademi Fellowships, the highest recognition for living masters

Distinguished fellows have included legends such as:

• Ravi Shankar
• Bismillah Khan
• Birju Maharaj
• Bhupen Hazarika
• Vijay Tendulkar

Archives and Research

The Akademi serves as a rich repository of cultural resources, maintaining:

• Audio and video recordings
• Photographs and films
• Rare manuscripts and books
• A collection of over 600 musical instruments and costumes

A gallery of musical instruments at Rabindra Bhavan, inaugurated by Yehudi Menuhin, showcases more than 200 rare instruments.

Support and Outreach

The Akademi provides grants and assistance to artists, researchers and cultural organisations. It supports higher training, research projects and surveys, thereby ensuring the continued growth of India’s performing arts traditions.

Golden Jubilee Celebration

Marking fifty years of its remarkable journey, the Akademi celebrated its Golden Jubilee in January, highlighting its enduring contribution to India’s cultural landscape. To commemorate this milestone, India Post issued a special set of postage stamps and a miniature sheet capturing the vibrant spirit of India’s performing arts.

Legacy

The Sangeet Natak Akademi stands as a guardian of India’s artistic heritage, fostering creativity while preserving tradition. Its efforts continue to inspire generations, ensuring that the rich legacy of Indian performing arts thrives in the modern world.