8th Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for Promotion of Art - Delhi - Delhi ID1618029

Noida, October 2025: The 8th Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for the Promotion of Art and Culture 2025 was conferred upon some of India’s most distinguished artists, authors, musicians, and cultural promoters during a grand ceremony held at Marwah Studios, Film City, Noida, as part of the 11th Global Literary Festival Noida 2025. The event was a magnificent celebration of creativity, artistry, and India’s rich cultural heritage.

The prestigious award was bestowed upon: Mr. Jatin Das, Renowned Painter, Mr. Roop Narayan Batham, Artist & Kala Kosh, Dr. Umapati Dixit, Author, Mr. Avtar Sahani, Renowned Theatre Director, Mr. Sidharth, Renowned Artist, Pt. Prosenjit Poddar, Renowned Tabla Maestro, Prof. (Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Director & Head, IGNCA, Mr. Anupam Bhatnagar, Art Promoter, Guru Meenu Thakur, Renowned Kuchipudi Dancer, Dr. Rama, Author & Educationist, Ms. Atasi Misra, Odissi & Folk Dancer

The ceremony was graced by Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Hon. Consul General of Palau, who lauded the efforts of ICMEI and Marwah Studios for their continuous contribution in promoting Indian art and culture globally.

In his inspiring address, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University, congratulated all the awardees and reflected on the purpose and legacy of the awards. “The Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award was constituted to honor excellence in every form of art and culture and to recognize those who keep India’s creative spirit alive. It stands as a tribute to one of India’s greatest leaders and poets, who believed that culture is the true soul of a nation,” said Dr. Marwah.

Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma appreciated the initiative and added, “Through these awards, ICMEI and Marwah Studios continue to create bridges of cultural exchange and appreciation. The diversity of the awardees reflects the richness and inclusiveness of Indian culture itself. Dr Sandeep Marwah is entitled for the highest National Award from Government of India for his untiring contribution to art and culture.”

Each awardee spoke briefly about their personal creative journey and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Marwah Studios for recognizing their efforts and for its remarkable role in promoting Indian art, culture, and literature across borders.

The audience, comprising eminent writers, poets, diplomats, artists, and media professionals, praised the grandeur, scale, and organization of the festival, calling it one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations in the country.

Instituted by Marwah Studios under the aegis of the International Chamber of Media and Entertainment Industry (ICMEI), the Atal Bihari Vajpayee National Award for Promotion of Art and Culture remains the first national award in India named after the late Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, continuing his legacy of cultural inclusivity and national pride.