Raju Mog has received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for his contribution to Sangrain dance, bringing national recognition to Tripura’s indigenous performing arts. The award honours his dedication to preserving and promoting the traditional dance form of the Mog community.
The honour was presented on October 19, 2026, by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat at Rabindra Bhavan’s Meghdoot Theatre Complex in New Delhi. The recognition highlights the importance of safeguarding traditional art forms and introducing them to wider audiences.
Raju Mog Receives National Recognition for Sangrain Dance
Raju Mog, who hails from Daspara in Bir Chandra Manu under the Santirbazar subdivision of South Tripura district, has spent nearly two decades practising and promoting Sangrain dance.
His award recognises sustained work in preserving a cultural tradition associated with the Mog community. Moreover, it places Tripura’s folk dance heritage in the national spotlight, drawing attention to the artists who keep indigenous performing arts alive.
During the award ceremony, Mog received an angavastram and a copper plaque. The recognition celebrates his contribution to folk dance and reflects the broader value of cultural traditions in India’s diverse artistic landscape.
For Tripura, the achievement represents an important moment for its indigenous communities. It also highlights how years of practice, mentorship and public performances can help traditional art forms reach audiences beyond their home regions.
Sangrain Dance and the Mog Community’s Heritage
Sangrain dance is a traditional folk dance associated with the Mog community of Tripura. It forms part of the state’s diverse cultural heritage, which includes distinctive music, dance, festivals and community traditions.
The dance has also gained visibility through cultural events outside the state. In January 2025, a troupe of 101 artists from the Sangrain Welfare Society participated in preparations for the Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi. Raju Mog led the group, helping bring the traditional performance to a national audience.
Such appearances offer opportunities to introduce indigenous art forms to people from different regions. Furthermore, they help younger generations connect with cultural practices that might otherwise receive limited public attention.
However, preserving traditional dance requires more than occasional performances. Artists must continue practising, teaching and presenting their traditions to ensure that cultural knowledge passes from one generation to the next.
Mog’s recognition therefore highlights the role individual artists play in keeping community traditions visible. It also reinforces the importance of supporting folk performers who represent India’s cultural diversity.
Raju Mog’s Journey and Artistic Mentors
Mog’s journey reflects years of commitment to developing and promoting Sangrain dance. His experience across cultural platforms has helped bring attention to a dance tradition rooted in Tripura’s indigenous heritage.
According to reports, he has credited his family, teachers, mentors, fellow artists and the Mog community for supporting his artistic development. He also acknowledged the guidance of his maternal uncle, Congthing Mog, and mentor Krairi Mog Choudhury.
Their encouragement helped shape his dedication to the art form. Moreover, their involvement illustrates how traditional performing arts often depend on knowledge shared within families and artistic communities.
Mog has described the award as a collective achievement rather than an individual accomplishment. His acknowledgement recognises the wider network of people who contribute to an artist’s progress, from early training to performances before larger audiences.
The honour also provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of local cultural organisations. Such groups can help artists organise performances, reach new audiences and sustain traditional practices.
What the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar Recognises
The Sangeet Natak Akademi instituted the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2006 to recognise promising young practitioners of the performing arts. The award covers music, dance, theatre, traditional and folk arts, puppetry, and related fields.
The Akademi considers young artists up to the age of 40 under its eligibility rules. The award aims to encourage outstanding talent and support the development of India’s performing arts traditions.
Each recipient receives prize money of Rs 25,000, a copper plaque, known as a tamrapatra, and an angavastram. The recognition acknowledges artistic achievement while encouraging continued contributions to the cultural sector.
In 2026, the award ceremony honoured artists selected for the 2024 and 2025 award years. The national recognition brought together performers working across different traditions and artistic disciplines.
For folk artists, the award offers an important platform to gain wider recognition. It also draws attention to art forms that depend on community participation and the continued commitment of individual practitioners.
Tripura’s Folk Traditions Gain Wider Attention
Raju Mog’s achievement highlights the importance of preserving Tripura’s indigenous cultural heritage. His recognition brings attention to Sangrain dance and the Mog community’s contribution to the state’s artistic identity.
Furthermore, national awards can encourage cultural organisations to document traditional performances and create opportunities for emerging artists. Schools, community groups and cultural institutions can also help introduce younger audiences to local art forms.
Overall, Mog’s award celebrates years of dedication while highlighting the wider community behind his work. His recognition offers a significant moment for Tripura’s folk arts and reinforces the value of preserving cultural traditions for future generations.
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