Posted on 4 October 2026:
🎵 #YathraBeats | Sound Bytes of the Day
Prajna International Award 2026–27: Five Eminent Cultural Personalities Honoured for Their Distinguished Contributions to Indian Art and Culture
The Tapas Kumar Pal Academy of Music & Cultural Foundation announces the Prajna International Award 2026–27 recipients, with the ceremony on 3 January 2027 at Uttam Mancha, Kolkata.
Some honours celebrate fame. Others celebrate devotion. The Prajna International Award 2026–27 belongs firmly to the second kind.
The Tapas Kumar Pal Academy of Music & Cultural Foundation, Kolkata, has announced the five recipients of this year’s award. The annual honorarium recognises distinguished contributions to Indian art and culture, music, education, cultural research, and the preservation and transmission of traditional practices. This year’s honourees come from Canada and from Kolkata and Delhi. Between them, they cover vocal music, instrumental traditions, musicology, poetry and dance.
The selection was made through a transparent process by an independent jury.
Meet the Five Honorees
Sri Ronnie Prentice-Roy: Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
Born: 1 January 1952
A vocalist, music director and educator, Sri Ronnie Prentice-Roy is honoured for his contribution to the international promotion of Indian and Bengali music. His journey shows how far the sound of Bengal can travel and how warmly it is welcomed abroad.
Dr. Pushpa Satyasheil: Delhi, India
Born: 28 October 1940
An academician, musicologist, violinist and Hindi poet, Dr. Pushpa Satyasheil is recognised for her significant research on the adaptation of the violin in Indian music. Her work looks at how an instrument from another tradition found a home in Indian classical sound.
Vidushi Dalia Rahut: Kolkata, India
Born: 12 April 1949
A distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist of the Purab Ang tradition, Vidushi Dalia Rahut is honored for her contribution to Thumri and semi-classical music. These forms rely on emotion and nuance, and she is known for them.
Pandit Harashankar Bhattacharya: Kolkata, India
Born: 6 October 1950
An accomplished sitarist associated with the Jafferkhani Baaj, Pandit Harashankar Bhattacharya is recognised for preserving the style and presenting it internationally. He carries a distinctive tradition on his instrument.
Sri Naresh Bhattacharya: Kolkata, India
Born: 15 December 1950
A Dhali dancer and Bratachari cultural exponent, Sri Naresh Bhattacharya is honoured for his contribution to traditional performance practice and cultural transmission. His work keeps folk and community traditions alive for younger generations.
A Word from the Secretary
Speaking on behalf of the Foundation, Tapas Kumar Pal, Founder & Secretary, said:
“Heartfelt congratulations to our five distinguished awardees for their remarkable contributions to Indian art and culture.”
He also thanked the jury members for their time, expertise and commitment to recognising significant contributions to the cultural field.
The Prajna International Award Presentation Ceremony 2026–27
📅 3 January 2027
📍 Uttam Mancha, Kolkata
🎵 #YathraBeats
