Youth in power

Various awards in performing arts categories felicitate young minds.

Recently, in Delhi, the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi gave away the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar to young people in the field of performing arts. Around 30 young practitioners received these awards in recognition of their potential and the promise that their work continues to show in the field of dance, music and theatre. The award ceremony was followed by a six-day festival that showcased the work and talent of these young practitioners. It was very heartening to see that some of the youngsters who were awarded had tremendous maturity, one that was showcased in the complexity of their respective works. In theatre, some are definitely in the forefront of producing cutting edge work and towards the creation of a new theatre language. Overall, the confidence of the young and their courage to take risks did come across at the festival. One hopes that these young artistes will get a boost from this significant recognition and go on to achieve greater heights in their respective fields.

These awards have been instituted quite recently by the Akademi and are separate from their other awards where senior artistes are awarded. In fact, a majority of artistes in the performing arts category get rewarded after they are well past their creative period. In fact, receiving awards after artistes have put in a number of years into the profession does not — apart from giving satisfaction — play any major role in giving them any inspiration or a foothold — which they already have — in their respective field of creative arts.

That’s why, it is heartening to see that several awards are instituted for the young by both private and government run organisations. Sanskriti awards, for example, are given to people in the age group 25-35, in the field of journalism, arts and literature by the Sanskriti Foundation. National School of Drama also has two awards for its outstanding alumni — BV Karanth Award for those above 50 years and Manohar Singh Award for those who are below 50 years. There are several awards in literature that are instituted through private initiatives. The recently held Bharat Bhushan Agrawal Puraskar is for young poets below the age of 40, Devi Shankar Awasthi Award is given to young literary critics and there’s also a Raza Foundation Award for young artistes.

But I wonder if there is an effort to keep track of the growth trajectory of the young people awarded? It would be important to know whether such early recognition gives youngsters renewed energy and opportunities to take their art forward. Or, does it tend to make them complacent and hinder their growth? Several private initiatives do try to follow up the career growth of their awardees. One is, however, unaware if the same is true of official organisations. It may be a good idea to do so and then, if required, alter the criterion periodically for selection of awards.

In a society and culture like ours that puts great premium on seniority in every field, one is glad that there is a gradual tilt towards instituting awards for the young. Is it because — in a fast globalising world — it is the young that are dictating the world trends in every field and hence, it is necessary to take note of them? After all, the media, the films and the politicians have definitely taken this reality on board! Or, is it because artistes are recognised in numerous other fields rather early and not recognising work in creative fields will disillusion young minds? Is it because awards have gradually become an arena for control and power and hence want to take the young into their fold of control?