Manoj Gupta honoured for singing light music, Dy CM Brijesh Pathak presented award

Prayagraj: Five artists from Prayagraj were honored at the Academy Awards 2026, organized by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Academy, Lucknow. Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak presented the Academy Awards, Safdar Hashmi Awards, and BM Shah Awards to the artists selected for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 at the Gandhi Auditorium in Lucknow’s Jan Bhavan.

Renowned Prayagraj artist Manoj Kumar Gupta was honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award 2023 in the light music singing category. Manoj Gupta has been performing on prestigious stages across the country and state for the past 35 years. He has also performed before governors, chief ministers, prime ministers, and presidents and vice-presidents of several states. He currently serves as a music teacher at Rani Revati Devi Saraswati Vidya Niketan Inter College, Rajapur.

In addition to Manoj Gupta, Shrikant Vaishya in folk music, Anup Kumar Banerjee and Pankaj Kumar Srivastava in tabla playing, and Sushma Sharma in theatre also received honors. All honored artists received a copper plate, a robe, a jute bag, and a sum of ₹10,100.

Deputy Chief Minister Brijesh Pathak read the Governor’s message at the ceremony. Congratulating the honored artists, the Governor said that their efforts have preserved cultural heritage and empowered and enriched society.

Special Secretary for Culture Sanjay Kumar Singh, Academy President Jayant Khot, Vice President Vibha Singh, Secretary Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, along with officials, employees, and dignitaries from the Culture Department and Academy were present at the event. Alka Nivedan conducted the program, and the vote of thanks was given by Sudhir Bobde, Special Officer to the Governor. Honored Prayagraj Artists: Manoj Kumar Gupta – Light Music Singing, Shrikant Vaishya – Folk Music, Anup Kumar Banerjee – Tabla playing, Pankaj Kumar Srivastava – Tabla playing and Sushma Sharma – Theatre.