Agartala, 19th October 2026 : Bringing pride to Tripura and the entire Mog community, renowned folk dancer Raju Mog has been honoured with the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025 for his contribution to India’s cultural heritage, particularly the traditional Sangrain dance of Tripura.
Hailing from Daspara in Bir Chandra Manu, under Santirbazar subdivision of South Tripura, Raju Mog has devoted nearly two decades to the practice, preservation and promotion of the traditional folk dance form. His dedication and commitment to showcasing Tripura’s rich cultural heritage have earned him recognition at the national level.
At a ceremony held at Rabindra Bhavan, Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Raju Mog received the prestigious award, along with an angavastram and a copper plaque, from Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.
Over the years, Raju Mog has participated in more than 300 state-level and over 100 national-level cultural programmes and performances, using every opportunity to promote Sangrain dance and bring the traditional art form to a wider audience.
Following the award ceremony, Raju Mog expressed his gratitude, saying that the achievement was not his alone but the result of the love, blessings and support of his family, teachers, well-wishers, fellow artists and the Mog community.
He also paid special tribute to his maternal uncle, Congthing Mog, his mentor Krairi Mog Choudhury, and other guides who inspired and supported him throughout his cultural journey.
A total of 55 young artists from across India were honoured in five categories at the award ceremony. Raju Mog’s selection stands out as a significant achievement for Tripura, highlighting the talent emerging from the northeastern region.
His accomplishment marks a proud moment not only for him personally but also for Tripura and the entire Mog community. It demonstrates how dedication, perseverance and a deep commitment to traditional art can bring recognition to indigenous cultural forms on the national stage.
Raju Mog’s achievement is expected to inspire younger generations to preserve their cultural roots and carry forward the rich artistic traditions of Tripura.
