Agartala, Nov 8 : A wave of celebration swept through South Tripura as young cultural artist Raju Mog returned home after receiving the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for his contribution to the promotion and preservation of the traditional Sangrai dance of the Mog community.
Raju, a resident of Bir Chandra Manu in Santirbazar subdivision, arrived at Jolaibari Railway Station around 8.30 pm on Saturday, where members of various social and cultural organisations gathered to accord him a warm welcome.
The award-winning artist was greeted with flower bouquets and garlands as supporters and community members celebrated his national-level recognition.
His achievement has brought attention to the rich cultural heritage of Tripura's Mog community, particularly its traditional Sangrai dance, which he has been promoting through performances on various platforms.
Coming from a modest family background, Raju has devoted years to preserving indigenous dance forms, folklore and cultural traditions. His efforts to showcase the Sangrai dance beyond the state's boundaries have earned appreciation among cultural enthusiasts and organisations.
Speaking to reporters after his arrival, Raju expressed gratitude to the individuals and organisations who supported him throughout his artistic journey.
He acknowledged the contributions of community organisations, media personnel and his mentors, saying their encouragement had motivated him to continue working for the preservation and promotion of Mog cultural traditions.
Members of the Mog community described the award as a significant milestone, saying the recognition was not only a personal achievement for Raju but also an honour for the community's cultural heritage.
Community representatives said the national recognition would help bring greater visibility to traditional art forms that have been preserved and passed down through generations.
The achievement has also generated appreciation among cultural circles in Tripura, with many expressing hope that it would encourage young artists to take an active interest in indigenous traditions.
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to recognise outstanding young practitioners in various fields of performing arts.
Raju's achievement is being viewed as a moment of pride for Tripura and its diverse indigenous communities, highlighting the role of young artists in preserving traditional cultural identities.
