Inder Jeet Wins Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024
Himachal folk singer Inder Jeet honored with the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024 for preserving the cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh.
In a proud moment for the hills of Himachal Pradesh, renowned folk singer, lyricist, composer, and actor Inder Jeet has been honored with the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2024. The award, conferred by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, recognizes his outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of folk music.
The honor was presented to him by Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during a grand ceremony held in New Delhi on Monday. Inder Jeet, who hails from Doghari village in the Kullu district, has spent years championing the traditional sounds and local dialects of his home state.
A Self-Taught Maestro of Folk Traditions
What makes Inder Jeet's journey particularly inspiring is that he achieved national recognition without any formal training in music. Through sheer passion and dedication, he carved a unique identity for himself, bridging the gap between ancient traditions and the modern era.
Recognizing that many traditional folk songs and cultural practices were on the verge of extinction, Inder Jeet took it upon himself to revive them. By reimagining these classics in contemporary formats, he successfully introduced the rich cultural tapestry of Himachal Pradesh to a younger generation that might have otherwise remained disconnected from their roots.
Beyond Music: Promoting Art and Social Change
Inder Jeet's influence extends far beyond the melody. His work serves as a visual and auditory showcase of Himachal's identity:
- Cultural Promotion: Through his music videos and social media presence, he has highlighted traditional Himachali attire, including the iconic Kullu caps, shawls, mufflers, and pattus.
- Supporting Artisans: By showcasing these crafts, he has brought attention to the skill of local artisans, potentially opening doors for livelihood and employment opportunities tied to cultural heritage.
- Social Advocacy: He has utilized his platform to raise awareness about critical social issues, including environmental conservation, drug de-addiction, and general social responsibility.
A Dedication to the Homeland
Taking his music to millions of viewers across India and the globe via digital platforms, Inder Jeet expressed deep humility upon receiving the award. He credited his success to his parents, Nokh Ram and Leela Devi, as well as his family, fans, and the media.
"I dedicate this national honour to my family, all Himachali artists, my loved ones and all the people of Himachal Pradesh. I have always selflessly worked to preserve and enrich my Himachali culture, folk music, ancient traditions and cultural heritage," Inder Jeet shared in a heartfelt note on Instagram.
He emphasized that the award is not a personal victory but a recognition of the collective richness of Himachal Pradesh's folk culture and its artists.
About the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar
Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in 2006, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is designed to honor exceptional young artists under the age of 40. These awards are presented annually to encourage the next generation of talent in the performing arts.
Continuing this tradition, Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat conferred the awards for the years 2024 and 2025 to a total of 106 young artists specializing in music, dance, and drama.