Tripura’s Raju Mog Wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for Sangrain Dance

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Bringing pride to Tripura and the Mog community, Raju Mog, a young artist from the northeastern state, has received the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for his dedication to the traditional folk dance form of Sangrain.

The award, one of the country's major recognitions for young artists in the field of performing arts, acknowledges his two decades of commitment to preserving and promoting Tripura's rich cultural heritage.

Raju Mog received the honour from Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a ceremony held on Monday at the Meghdoot Theatre Complex in Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi. He was presented with the traditional angavastram and a copper plaque.

Hailing from the hilly areas of Tripura, Raju's achievement marks a significant milestone not only in his artistic journey but also for the Mog community. Over the past two decades, he has devoted himself to practising and popularising Sangrain dance, representing the state's cultural traditions on numerous platforms.

During his career, Raju has participated in more than 300 state-level cultural programmes and over 100 national-level events and performances. These experiences have helped him refine his art, build confidence and showcase Tripura's traditional dance heritage to wider audiences.

Expressing his gratitude after receiving the award, Raju said the achievement was not his alone but the result of the love, blessings and support of his family, teachers, well-wishers, colleagues and the Mog community.

He also paid tribute to his maternal uncle, Congthing Mog, his guru, Krairi Mog Choudhury, and other mentors whose guidance and encouragement, he said, had played a crucial role in shaping his journey.

A total of 55 young artists from across the country were honoured in five categories at the award ceremony. Raju's recognition has brought particular attention to Tripura's indigenous cultural traditions and the artistic contributions of its communities.

His achievement reflects how sustained dedication and commitment can help traditional art forms reach national platforms. For the Mog community, the award represents a moment of collective pride, while for Tripura, it is a significant recognition of the state's diverse cultural heritage.

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