Two artists from Sikkim, Dilu Tamang and Tila Rupa Sapkota, have received the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 for their contributions to India’s performing arts. Tamang was recognised for her work in folk dance, while Sapkota received the honour for her contribution to theatre.
The awards were presented by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at a ceremony held in New Delhi on October 19, 2026. The national recognition has brought pride to Sikkim and highlighted the state’s contribution to preserving India’s diverse cultural traditions.
Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay congratulated both artists on their achievements. He described their recognition as a proud moment for the state and praised their dedication to art and culture.
The chief minister also said their success would inspire future generations of artists to pursue their creative ambitions and preserve the region’s cultural heritage.
Dilu Tamang Recognised for Preserving Himalayan Folk Dance
Dilu Tamang has received the award for her contributions to the research, choreography and preservation of Himalayan ethnic dance forms. Her work focuses on indigenous traditions that reflect the cultural identity and history of communities in the Himalayan region.
She has helped promote traditional dance forms, including Tamang Selo, Maruni and Chutkay, bringing them to wider audiences in India and abroad.
Through research and performance, Tamang has contributed to keeping these cultural practices alive for younger generations. Her efforts have also helped introduce regional traditions to audiences beyond Sikkim.
Tamang has represented India at the ‘Ullas’ festival in Osaka, Japan. Her participation at an international cultural event demonstrated how traditional Indian art forms can connect with audiences across national boundaries.
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recognises her contribution to folk dance and the preservation of indigenous artistic traditions. Her achievement also draws attention to the role of folk artists in safeguarding cultural heritage amid changing social and cultural influences.
Tila Rupa Sapkota Honoured for Contribution to Theatre
Tila Rupa Sapkota, a Gangtok-based actor and theatre practitioner, has received the award for her contribution to theatre. She trained at the National School of Drama’s Sikkim Training Centre, where she developed her skills in acting and stage performance.
Sapkota spent more than a decade working with the National School of Drama’s Sikkim Repertory Company. During this period, she gained experience in theatre production and performance while contributing to the region’s performing arts community.
Beyond her work on stage, Sapkota has also mentored young artists across the region. Her efforts have helped aspiring performers develop their skills and explore opportunities in theatre.
Her recognition highlights the importance of regional theatre practitioners in strengthening India’s performing arts landscape. It also acknowledges the contribution of artists who work to sustain theatre traditions and encourage new generations to participate in cultural activities.
For Sikkim’s theatre community, the award represents national recognition of the talent and dedication emerging from the state.
About the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recognises outstanding young performers who demonstrate exceptional talent in music, dance and drama.
The award is intended for artists up to the age of 40 and seeks to encourage promising practitioners across India’s performing arts traditions. Its fields of recognition include music, dance, theatre, traditional and folk arts, and contributions to performing arts scholarship.
Each award comprises a cash prize of ₹25,000, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram. The recognition aims to encourage young artists to continue developing their skills and contributing to the country’s cultural life.
The awards for 2024 and 2025 were presented at the October 19 ceremony in New Delhi. The Sangeet Natak Akademi selected 106 young artists for the two award years, recognising achievements across various performing arts disciplines.
The awards are part of a broader effort to acknowledge emerging talent and encourage the continuation of India’s rich artistic traditions.
National Recognition Brings Pride to Sikkim
The achievements of Dilu Tamang and Tila Rupa Sapkota underline Sikkim’s contribution to India’s cultural diversity. While Tamang has worked to preserve and promote Himalayan folk dance, Sapkota has contributed to theatre through performance, professional experience and mentorship.
Their recognition also highlights the importance of supporting artists working outside the country’s major cultural centres. Regional artists play a vital role in preserving traditional knowledge, introducing local art forms to wider audiences and creating opportunities for young performers.
As Sikkim celebrates the two artists, their achievements offer encouragement to aspiring dancers, actors and cultural practitioners across the Northeast.
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar acknowledges their individual contributions while drawing national attention to the artistic traditions and creative talent of the state.