Two artists from Nagaland receive Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar

Dimapur, October 19 (MExN): Two artists from Nagaland have been conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA), New Delhi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conferred the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for 2024 and 2025 on 106 young artists from across the country in the field of performing arts. The event was held at Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, on October 19.Hito Kiho received the award for 2025, while Ovungbeni Ovung received it for 2024. The honour recognises their contributions to promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the North Eastern region.Hito Kiho, Founder, Director and Conductor of The Nagaland Madrigal Singers (TNMS) and Nagaland Male Chorus (NMC), has made significant contributions towards promoting choral music in the North Eastern region.His dedication to nurturing and popularising choral music among the young Naga community, along with his efforts to inspire and train the younger generation, reflects his deep commitment to taking choral music and the rich cultural heritage to greater heights, Alobo Naga, Director of North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur, said in a statement posted on X.Ovungbeni Ovung has been recognised for her dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional folk dances of the Lotha Naga community.Her dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional folk dances of the Lotha Naga community, along with her efforts to inspire and train the younger generation through the Vuingi Nzanta Cultural Club (VNCC), Nagaland, reflects her deep commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage, the NEZCC Director said in a separate statement.The Director termed the honours a proud moment for Nagaland and the entire North Eastern region. He expressed hope that the achievements would inspire the awardees to continue carrying forward the region's rich musical and intangible cultural heritage and sharing its beauty with future generations.