Shimla: Himachal Pradesh erupted in pride as renowned folk artist Dr. Jogendra Habbi, a native of Rajgarh in Sirmaur district, was honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award by President Droupadi Murmu for his outstanding contribution to the preservation and promotion of folk culture.
The moment turned particularly special for Himachal when Dr. Habbi, dressed in his traditional loyiya, walked up to the President to receive the national honour. His traditional attire and dignified presence offered a striking representation of Himachal’s rich cultural identity on one of the country’s most prestigious stages.
Dr. Habbi has devoted decades to preserving the folk traditions, music and cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Through his work, he has helped keep traditional art forms alive and carried the cultural legacy of the hills to wider audiences.
His recognition at the national level is being seen not merely as a personal achievement but as an honour for Sirmaur and the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. The award has brought renewed attention to the richness of Himachal’s indigenous folk traditions and the artists who have worked for generations to preserve them.
Congratulating Dr. Habbi, well-wishers including CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu described the honour as a proud moment for Himachal and said his journey demonstrated how dedication to one’s cultural roots can earn national recognition.
The sight of the traditional loyiya-clad folk artist from Rajgarh walking towards the President to receive the award became a powerful cultural moment, symbolising Himachal’s folk heritage finding a place of honour at the national level.
For Himachal, Dr. Habbi’s achievement is a celebration of its folk traditions, cultural diversity and living heritage—and a reminder that the voices of the hills continue to resonate far beyond the mountains.
