Custodians of culture felicitated at Kala Guru Samman ceremony

In a vibrant tribute to cultural legacy and artistic devotion, the Sanskar Bharti, Dharamsala, hosted the Kala Guru Samman ceremony at Radio Gunjan to mark the auspicious occasion of Guru Purnima. The event honoured the stalwarts of Himachali folk and classical traditions, celebrating their lifelong dedication to the preservation of regional heritage.

The ceremony was presided over by former Election Commissioner KC Sharma, with Kangra Divisional Commissioner Vinod Kumar gracing the event as the chief guest. It brought together scholars, artistes and cultural connoisseurs in an evening rich with reverence and musical brilliance.

Among the distinguished awardees were Dr Yugal Kishore Dogra (Sahitya Kala Samman), Dr Kanwar Kartar (Kala Guru Samman), Pawanendra Pawan (Kala Sanvardhan Samman) and Dwijend Dwij (Kala Gaurav Samman). Dr Janmejaya and his disciples set a spiritual tone with soulful renditions of a welcome song and “Guru Mahima.”

A key highlight was the release of two significant publications: Lokgeet Sangeet by Dr Guleria and Lokbhaav Swaranjali – Part III, co-edited with Prof Chandra Rekha Dadhwal, which reflect deep scholarship on Himachali folk music.

Special guests, including Divya Himachal Chief Editor Anil Soni, noted author Dr Surat Thakur, INTACH Kangra coordinator LN Aggarwal and Dr Mahesh Sharma, emphasized the urgent need for documentation and preservation of the state’s oral traditions.

Jointly organised by Sangeetanjali Kala Kendra, Sanskar Bharti Dharamshala, and INTACH, the event also honoured Dr Mahesh Sharma with Sangeet Vibhushan Samman, Dr Surat Thakur with Sangeet Manishi Samman and lauded Prof Dadhwal for her literary contributions spanning three decades. This cultural gathering stood as a heartfelt celebration of Himachal’s living heritage.

Himachal Tribune