Guwahati: In a grand civil investiture ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu conferred prestigious awards on three distinguished individuals, recognising their exceptional contributions to the fields of art, literature, and education.
Veteran Sattriya exponent Nityacharya Jatin Goswami was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian honour, for his immense contribution to the preservation, development, and popularisation of Sattriya dance. Born on August 2, 1933, Goswami has been instrumental in reviving and modernising Ankiya Nat performances and has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Kalidas Samman.
Rewakanth Mahanta, Satradhikar of Khatpara Satra, Sivasagar, was conferred the Padma Shri for his mastery in mask-making and Mukha Bhaona, a unique masked dance-drama integral to Sattriya culture. Mahanta’s intricate masks have gained global recognition, with displays in museums across several countries.
Noted writer, translator, and educator Geeta Upadhyaya was awarded the Padma Shri for her significant contributions to literature and education. A Sahitya Akademi Awardee, Upadhyaya’s acclaimed works include Janmabhumi Mero Swadesh and the biography of freedom fighter Chabilal Upadhyaya. Her translations have served as cultural bridges between communities, and her role extends beyond literature into active social engagement.
The awards ceremony recognised the exceptional contributions of these individuals, highlighting their dedication to their respective fields and their impact on Indian culture and society.
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