Posted on 7 January 2026:
Honoring Legends: Prajna International Award 2026 Shines as a Global Celebration of Performing Arts
THE THIRD PRAJNA INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2026, HOSTED ON SUNDAY, 4 JANUARY 2026 AT UTTAM MANCHA, KOLKATA, BECAME A LUMINOUS TRIBUTE TO THE TIMELESS SPIRIT OF MUSIC AND DANCE.
Organised by the Tapas Kumar Pal Academy of Music and Cultural Foundation, the evening unfolded as a radiant confluence of artistry, where tradition and innovation embraced each other in perfect harmony.
This year’s prestigious honour was bestowed upon five stalwarts whose contributions have enriched the world of performing arts. The awardees included Professor (Dr) Ruwin Rangith Dias, eminent violinist from Colombo, Sri Lanka; Vidushi Vibha Sengupta, one of the senior most exponents of Rabindrasangeet; Professor Guru Kalabati Devi, legendary Manipuri dance maestro; Professor Pandit Chanchal Bhattacharya, renowned pakhawaj virtuoso; and Professor Pandit Debprasad De, distinguished esraj and harmonium player. Their presence illuminated the stage, embodying the spirit of dedication and excellence.
The evening commenced with a soulful violin orchestra by the Academy’s students, presenting Rabindrasangeet’s timeless melody “Alo Amar Alo.” This was followed by a graceful Guru Vandana in Gaudiya dance style, setting a tone of reverence and cultural splendour. In a moment of heartfelt homage, the awardees offered floral tributes to the portrait of the legendary violin maestro, Padma Bhushan Pandit V. G. Jog, whose legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and cultural enthusiasts.
A Confluence of Art at the Third Prajna International Award Ceremony
The ceremonial inauguration began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, a gesture symbolising wisdom and harmony. Eminent personalities graced this sacred moment—essayist Shankar Lal Bhattacharya, litterateur Syed Hasmat Jalal, Gaudiya dance exponent Professor Guru Mahua Mukherjee, internationally acclaimed tabla maestro Parimal Chakraborty, and distinguished academicians Shri. Parag Ray, Shri. Debashis Mondal and Prof. Mrinmoy Ray. The presence of Tapas Kumar Pal, founder of the Academy, added warmth and a personal touch to the grandeur of the occasion.
As the evening blossomed, five maestros were honoured with the Prajna International Award, their recognition echoing through heartfelt applause. More than a ceremony, it became a radiant testament to art’s timeless power to unite, inspire and uplift the human spirit.
A Rare Collective Performance
The second segment revealed a tapestry of tradition and talent. The awardees themselves took the stage, weaving together music and dance in a rare collective performance. At ninety-three, Vidushi Vibha Sengupta moved hearts with her soulful rendering of Rabindrasangeet, while Professor Guru Kalabati Devi brought alive the expressive beauty of Manipuri dance. The resonant beats of the pakhawaj by Professor Pandit Chanchal Bhattacharya and the lyrical strains of the esraj by Professor Pandit Debprasad De created a spellbinding harmony. Songs such as “Tumi Ki Keboli Chhobi” and “Krishnakoli Ami Tarei Boli” carried the audience into a world of timeless emotion.
GLOBAL ORCHESTRA: BENGAL’S CONNECTION
The concluding segment was no less spectacular. A grand orchestral presentation titled “Global Orchestra: Bengal’s Connection” featured nearly fifty students of the Academy under the direction of Tapas Kumar Pal. From the stirring Game of Thrones theme to the folk-inspired Amra Chash Kori Anonde and the evergreen Bella Ciao, the performance blended global and local melodies with electrifying energy, leaving the audience spellbound.
THE PRAJNA INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2026 THUS EMERGED NOT MERELY AS A CEREMONY, BUT AS A CELEBRATION OF GLOBAL ARTISTRY—AN EVENING WHERE INDIA’S RICH HERITAGE RESONATED WITH INTERNATIONAL VOICES, REAFFIRMING THE TIMELESS POWER OF PERFORMING ARTS TO UNITE HEARTS ACROSS BORDERS.
