PASIGHAT: Olen Megu Damin, hailing from Mebo Sub-Division in East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi award for folk and traditional music and dance.
Representing the Adi community, she has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of her region.
Damin is widely recognized as a distinguished artist, curator, and choreographer specializing in folk and traditional music and dance.
Beyond her artistic endeavours, she has actively engaged in social work, particularly advocating for the welfare of women within the Adi community.
Notably, she served as the President of the Adi Baane Kebang Women Wing, a prominent body representing the Adi community in Arunachal Pradesh.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Damin has also excelled as an educator, recently retiring from her role as a dedicated teacher.
The Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, also known as the Akademi Puraskar, is among the highest honours bestowed upon individuals in the performing arts in India.
Established in 1952, these awards recognize outstanding achievements and sustained contributions to the field.
Recipients are selected by the Akademi’s General Council, comprising esteemed musicians, dancers, theater artists, and scholars, along with government nominees.
The award includes a cash prize of Rs. 1,00,000/- (one lakh only), along with a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.
The recipients will be conferred with the prestigious honour by the President of India during a special investiture ceremony.