Agartala, 8th November 2026 : traditional Sangai dance has earned national recognition as folk dance artist Raju Mog returned home after receiving the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, becoming, according to him, the first member of the Mog community in Tripura to receive the honour.
Raju was accorded a warm reception by members of various organisations, fellow artists and representatives of the Mog community at Julaibari Railway Station following his return from his national-level achievement.
Expressing his happiness, Raju said, “I am truly delighted to have received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar. I believe I am the first person from the Mog community in Tripura to receive this honour. Words cannot express my happiness and joy.”
He received the award in New Delhi on November 19, following which he participated in the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat and visited Jaipur in Rajasthan before returning home.
Expressing gratitude to those who supported his journey, Raju thanked the members and officials of MSCO, RTS, MYO, HWMS and Sangai Dance Academy for organising the welcome programme. He particularly acknowledged the contribution of his uncle, Konting Mama, and his mentor Guruma Trairimak Jyoti, saying their guidance, blessings and constant encouragement had played a crucial role in his success.
He also thanked fellow artists, community representatives and members of the print media for recognising his achievement.
“I am committed to continuing my efforts to take Sangai dance and the rich cultural heritage of the Mog community to the international stage with everyone’s love and support,” he said.
The reception was organised to honour a young artist from their own community and village whose achievement has brought pride to the Mog community and Tripura. Speakers at the gathering expressed happiness over his national recognition and described his success as an inspiration for aspiring artists, particularly those working to preserve indigenous folk traditions.
