Internationally acclaimed folk artist recognized for preserving and promoting Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage
Rajgarh, June 11: Renowned folk artist, researcher, and world record holder Dr. Joginder Habibi has been selected for the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2025, one of India’s highest honours in the field of performing arts. The award will be conferred by the President of India in recognition of his exceptional contribution to the preservation, promotion, and revival of folk dance and folk culture.
For over three decades, Dr. Habibi has dedicated himself to safeguarding the endangered folk traditions of Himachal Pradesh. Working closely with his cultural mentor, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, he carried out extensive research on traditional art forms including Thoda, Hati Ki Naati, Singhtu, Badaltu, and Dagyali dances. By adapting these fading traditions into stage performances, he played a pivotal role in bringing them back into the cultural mainstream.
Dr. Habibi founded the Chooreshwar Cultural Mandal and Aasra Sanstha, through which numerous artists have been trained and provided platforms to showcase traditional art forms. He also established the Habi Mansingh Arts Centre, where regular training in folk dance, folk theatre, and other traditional arts continues.
Under his leadership, the folk traditions of Sirmaur and Himachal Pradesh have gained national and international recognition. Artists under his direction have performed in several countries, including Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. He is particularly credited with introducing the traditional martial folk art Thoda to international audiences for the first time.
Apart from his performances and cultural initiatives, Dr. Habibi has made significant contributions to research and documentation. He has published several research papers on folk culture, authored two books, directed five documentaries on folk arts, and produced a telefilm based on Thoda. Three additional books on folk culture are currently in progress.
His efforts have also earned recognition in the India Book of Records, Asia Book of Records, and World Book of Records.
Expressing gratitude for the honour, Dr. Habibi said the award belongs not only to him but to all folk artists and cultural custodians of Himachal Pradesh. He dedicated the achievement to his spiritual guru Satguru Madhu Paramhans Sahib Ji, his cultural mentor Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, and all those working towards preserving India’s folk heritage.
With this honour, Dr. Habibi joins the distinguished list of Himachali cultural personalities such as Late Hetram Tanwar, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, Pandit Somdutt Battu, and Pandit Dr. K.L. Sehgal, who have previously received the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
