*Dr Anand Pandey and Shri Ghanshyam Sahu Honoured by Union Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
*Two Artists from Chhattisgarh Receive Prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar at Ceremony in New Delhi
*Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal Congratulates Awardees, Says Artists Who Bring National Recognition to Chhattisgarh’s Art and Culture Are the State’s Priceless Heritage
TFP Bureau, Raipur, October 20, 2026: Chhattisgarh’s rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage and theatre have received national recognition, with two distinguished artists from the state being honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. At a ceremony held on October 19, 2026, at the Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat honoured Dr Anand Pandey of Jashpur for his contribution to theatre and acting, and Shri Ghanshyam Sahu of Sarangarh for his distinctive playwriting and impactful screenplay writing for Chhattisgarhi films.
Dr Pandey has worked to nurture theatre in the remote tribal region of Jashpur, while Shri Sahu has made notable contributions to dramatic writing and Chhattisgarhi cinema. Their achievements have brought recognition to the state’s creative talent, cultural richness and theatrical traditions at the national level.
The success of these artists, who have established their identities on the national stage despite emerging from remote forest regions and small towns, demonstrates that talent and creativity transcend geographical boundaries. Their dedication to art, sustained practice and creative commitment have strengthened Chhattisgarh’s presence in India’s cultural landscape.
*Dr Anand Pandey of Jashpur Gives New Recognition to Theatre
Dr Anand Pandey, who has worked to carry forward theatre traditions in the remote tribal region of Jashpur and establish a distinct identity through his acting, received the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for excellence in acting. His achievement is a source of inspiration for artists associated with theatre in Jashpur, the entire Surguja region and Chhattisgarh. His artistic journey demonstrates that talent, hard work and dedication can earn national recognition even in remote areas with limited resources.
The honour is also expected to inspire creative talent in the tribal regions of Chhattisgarh and draw greater attention to the artistic possibilities present in these areas.
*Shri Ghanshyam Sahu of Sarangarh Brings Recognition to Playwriting and Chhattisgarhi Cinema
Shri Ghanshyam Sahu of Sarangarh has been honoured nationally for his distinctive playwriting and outstanding screenplay writing for Chhattisgarhi films. His achievement is significant for the state’s literary, theatrical and cinematic creativity. Playwriting and screenplay writing form the foundation of theatrical productions and films. Writers play a vital role in shaping compelling narratives, crafting sensitive dialogue and giving creative expression to themes rooted in social life. The recognition conferred on Shri Sahu is an encouraging milestone for writers working in the fields of Chhattisgarhi language, literature and cinema.
*National Honour Inspires Chhattisgarh’s Cultural Talent
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is a prestigious national award that encourages young talent in the performing arts. The recognition of two artists from Chhattisgarh reflects the vitality of the state’s theatrical traditions and its creative potential.
Known for its rich heritage of folk arts, folk theatre, music, dance, literature and performing arts, Chhattisgarh has a distinctive cultural identity. Its folk traditions, local life, languages and social sensibilities offer artists a wide range of creative possibilities. National recognition for artists from the state can inspire the younger generation to remain connected to their cultural roots while pursuing new opportunities.
*Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal Congratulates Awardees
Tourism and Culture Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Dr Anand Pandey and Shri Ghanshyam Sahu on receiving the prestigious national honour.
Expressing happiness over the achievement, Shri Agrawal said Chhattisgarh is endowed with an invaluable heritage of art, culture and creativity. He said that artists emerging from the state’s remote forest regions and small towns and earning recognition on a national platform was a matter of immense pride for the entire state.
The Minister said the achievements of Dr Pandey and Shri Sahu would serve as a source of inspiration for the younger generation, theatre practitioners, writers and those associated with cinema. Their success demonstrates the immense potential of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage to gain recognition at national and international levels.
Wishing both artists a bright future, Shri Agrawal said such achievements further strengthen Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity and inspire future generations to preserve and promote art and culture.
The national recognition received by the two artists is not merely an individual accomplishment but also an honour for Chhattisgarh’s collective cultural consciousness, artistic dedication and creative talent. Their achievement marks an important step towards taking the state’s rich cultural heritage to greater heights on the national stage.
