Pune-based Vocalist Nandini Rao Gujar Receives Prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Pune, 5th December 2024 : Pune-based vocalist Nandini Rao Gujar was recently honoured with the prestigious ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for 2022-23 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi. She received the award in the Sugam Sangeet category at an event held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi. The award was presented by Arunish Chawla- Secretary of the Ministry of Culture that includes a citation and a cash prize of ₹25,000.
The event was graced by Uma Nanduri-Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Dr. Sandhya Purecha- Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, Vice Chairperson Joravar Singh Jadhav and Secretary Raju Das.
‘The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has been awarded annually since 2006. It recognizes promising young artists for their remarkable contributions in the fields of music, dance, drama, and traditional arts. Several renowned artists of the country have been honoured with this award in the past.
Speaking on the occasion, Nandini Rao Gujar expressed her gratitude, stating, “Receiving the ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, named after Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan, is an incredible honour and encouragement for me. Despite being away from South India, this recognition validates my efforts in the realm of Carnatic music. This award has inspired me to continue my journey in classical music.”
About Singer Nandini Rao Gujar –
An A-grade artist of All India Radio, Nandini Rao Gujar was born in Hassan, Karnataka. She received her initial training in Carnatic music under Prasanna Venkatesh, BR Sridhar and Ranjani Gayatri and now under the able guidance of Vidushi Prof Nagamani Srinath of Bengaluru
Nandini has performed at numerous prestigious music festivals across India and abroad. Her performances have taken her to The United States of America and various cities in Europe, Australia, United Kingdom and The Middle East. She has conducted various workshops and concerts at these international venues. Over the years, her achievements have been duly acknowledged and honoured with several accolades, including the Kempe Gowda Award by the Karnataka Government. Nandini also sings devotional music in twelve different Indian languages and is actively involved in producing audio and video recordings in these languages.
