Sri Vijaya Puram, June 25: National recognition has come to the indigenous cultural traditions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands after Shanta Cyntrick of Tapoiming Village in Car Nicobar became the first artist from the Nicobar Tribal Community and the first individual from Nicobar District to receive the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, one of the country’s most prestigious honours for young performing artists.
The award has been announced by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, for the year 2025. Shanta Cyntrick has been selected under the Folk Dance category for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in recognition of her contribution to the preservation, promotion and dissemination of traditional Nicobari folk dance.
The recognition marks a significant milestone for the Nicobarese community, bringing national attention to a cultural tradition that has been preserved and passed down through generations within the tribal society of the Nicobar Islands.
Instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar honours outstanding young practitioners in fields including music, dance, theatre, folk and tribal arts, puppetry and other performing arts. Named after Bharat Ratna awardee and legendary shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan, the award seeks to encourage emerging artists who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and contribution to India’s diverse cultural heritage.
The award includes a citation, an angavastram and a cash prize and is presented by the Chairman of the Sangeet Natak Akademi during a national award ceremony.
Shanta Cyntrick has been associated with Nicobari folk dance performances since 2006 and has represented the cultural traditions of the Nicobarese community at various platforms across the country. Over the years, she has worked as both a performer and troupe leader, contributing to efforts aimed at preserving traditional dance forms and promoting cultural awareness among younger generations.
Her selection for the national honour places Nicobari folk dance among the indigenous art forms receiving wider recognition at the national level. The achievement is also expected to draw attention to the cultural richness of the Nicobar Islands and the role of tribal artists in safeguarding traditional knowledge and performing arts.
The District Administration of Nicobar has congratulated Shanta Cyntrick on the achievement, describing the award as a matter of pride for Nicobar District and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The recognition is being viewed as an important moment for the preservation of tribal cultural heritage and as encouragement for young members of indigenous communities to continue promoting traditional art forms.
With the announcement, Shanta Cyntrick has become the first representative from Nicobar District to receive the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, securing a place in the cultural history of the islands.
