New Delhi [India], October 19 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh folk singer, lyricist, composer and actor Inder Jeet has been conferred the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 by the Sangeet Natak Akademi for his contribution to folk music. Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat presented him with the award at a ceremony in New Delhi on Monday.
Hailing from Doghari village in Kullu district, Inder Jeet has been working for several years to preserve and promote Himachal Pradesh's traditional folk music, local dialects and cultural heritage. Despite having no formal training in music, he has carved a distinct identity in the field and popularised the state's rich folk traditions.
With several traditional folk songs and cultural practices facing the risk of extinction, Inder Jeet has sought to revive them by presenting them in contemporary formats and introducing them to younger audiences. His music reflects the region's rural life, local traditions and cultural identity, encouraging young people to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots.
Through music videos and social media platforms, he has taken Himachal Pradesh's folk heritage to audiences across India and abroad, reaching millions of people.
He has also highlighted traditional Himachali attire and handicrafts, including the Kullu cap, shawls, mufflers and pattus, through his songs and videos. His efforts have helped showcase the skills of local artisans and promote traditional crafts, while contributing to awareness about livelihood and employment opportunities linked to the state's cultural heritage.
Apart from folk music, Inder Jeet has used his work to spread awareness about issues such as drug de-addiction, environmental conservation and social responsibility.
Expressing gratitude on receiving the award, Inder Jeet thanked his parents, Nokh Ram and Leela Devi, family members, well-wishers, fans, listeners, fellow artists and the media fraternity. He said the honour was not merely a personal achievement but recognition of Himachal Pradesh's rich folk culture and its folk artists. He dedicated the award to his homeland, Himachal Pradesh, and its people.
His recognition at the national level is expected to encourage young artists to preserve and promote the state's traditional music, languages, handicrafts and cultural heritage for future generations.
The singer also shared his happiness on receiving Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by penning a heartfelt gratitude note on his Instagram handle.
He wrote, "I dedicate this national honour to my family, all Himachali artists, my loved ones and all the people of Himachal Pradesh. I have always selflessly worked to preserve and enrich my Himachali culture, folk music, ancient traditions and cultural heritage. I have always strived that our rich culture and folk traditions should be recognised country and abroad, and for generations to come, to their cultural roots."
According to the press release by the Ministry of Culture, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006 to recognise young artists up to the age of 40. Since then, these awards have been presented annually to young artists at a special ceremony.
Honouring the tradition, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2024 and 2025 to 106 young artists in the field of music, dance and drama (ANI)
