Guwahati, Assam: In a ceremony steeped in cultural reverence, Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya today conferred the prestigious Srimanta Sankardeva Award for 2023 upon Sonal Mansingh, the internationally acclaimed classical dancer. The award, instituted by the Assam government in 1986, recognises individuals for their exceptional contributions to society through art and culture.
President Droupadi Murmu, in a message, lauded Mansingh as an inspiration, highlighting her resilience in overcoming challenges and her immense contributions to the cultural landscape of the nation. The President also invoked the spirit of Vaishnav saint and social reformer Srimanta Sankardeva, whose message of unity and equality continues to strengthen society. President Murmu’s planned visits to confer the award, initially scheduled for April 25 and then again for Wednesday, were regrettably postponed due to a terror attack in Pahalgam and subsequent “personal reasons,” respectively.
Governor Acharya, while presenting the award, emphasised that it was a recognition of Mansingh’s lifelong dedication to Indian classical dance, her ardent cultural advocacy, and her commitment to social reform. He stated that the award was not merely a tribute to her as an individual but an acknowledgment of her relentless service in upholding and modernising the essence of Indian heritage. The Governor also paid rich tributes to Srimanta Sankardeva, describing him as a spiritual luminary and cultural reformer who transcended regional boundaries to become a national symbol of unity, harmony, and inclusiveness.
An emotional Sonal Mansingh expressed her gratitude to the Assam government for the honour, attributing it to “Ma Kamakhya’s blessings and love of the people of the state.” She recalled a significant chapter in her career when Bharat Ratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika, then Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi, tasked her with researching whether Sattriya dance, originating from Assam’s Vaishnavite monasteries, could be declared a classical dance form. The 81-year-old Padma Vibhushan awardee proudly recounted how her research, alongside others, led to the recognition of Sattriya as the eighth classical dance form of the country, now globally famed and performed across India and abroad. Mansingh also shared her past production on Sankardeva’s spiritual philosophy and works, and revealed plans to introduce more ‘Borgeets’ (songs composed by Sankardeva) into the repertory of Bharat Natyam and Odissi. She received an Angavastram, a gold medallion, the traditional Assamese bell-metal ‘Xorai’, a citation, and a cheque of Rs five lakh.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, speaking on the occasion, commended Mansingh’s decades-long dedication to preserving and advancing India’s classical dance forms in contemporary times. He affirmed that conferring the Srimanta Sankaradeva Award upon her was a fitting tribute to her profound contributions. Sarma underscored that culture formed the bedrock of ‘Gurujona’s’ (Sankardeva’s) teachings, with his timeless creation of Sattriya as a testament. He concluded by stating the state’s pride in presenting the award to the veteran dance exponent, given the alignment of philosophies. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, hailing from Assam, hailed Mansingh as a guardian of Indian classical traditions who has harmoniously integrated her art with social responsibilities. He noted that honouring her with this award affirmed the values of the great saint in the contemporary cultural landscape. Sonowal further highlighted Mansingh’s pioneering use of Bharat Natyam and Odissi to advocate for women empowerment, social justice, and environmental sustainability, inspiring generations through her work and art.