•❀•Kala Awards•❀•

In its 7500-year history, Indian Performing Arts has seen a changing yet always relevant impact in society. While on one hand art is a medium of spiritual communication and communion, on the other hand, it is also a medium of education and entertainment. Art and Artists have the ability to make society think and bring about changes. Art can make one erupt in thunderous applause as well as bring about a smile of contentment on the rasikas face.

World Forum for Art & Culture (WFAC) is recognizing artists across India for their remarkable contribution to sustaining, nurturing, preserving, and mainly PROMOTING Indian Performing and Fine arts. The title  conferred upon artists  in the presence of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji as part of the 3-Day Festival of Art & Culture: BHAAV-THE EXPRESSIONS SUMMIT  at the Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru.

Nominations for this year’s Kala Awards are now open! These awards celebrate artists across India for their outstanding contributions to the promotion, preservation, and teaching of Indian Performing and Fine Arts. The last date to submit nominations is 13th May. There are four categories: Kala Sarathi (for senior artists 65+ who have dedicated over 25 years to promoting the arts), Kala Margi (for educators aged 50–65 who have shaped generations through teaching), Kala Srijak (for creative pioneers aged 35–50 who’ve expanded their art form), and Kala Sadhak (for young, committed artists aged 21–35 with over 10 years of performance and dedication). The awards are open to deserving artists who have not yet received major national honors like the Sangeet Natak Akademi or Padma awards. Let’s honor the torchbearers of our cultural heritage—nominate now!

Kala Sarathi – The Charioteer of Arts

The Kala Sarathi award honors revered artists who have dedicated over 25 years to propagating and promoting art forms. This category celebrates those who have yet to receive the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award or Padma Award, but whose contributions to the fields of Dance, Vocal, Instruments and Percussion, Theatre, Fine Arts, Visual Arts, Academic and Research fields, Languages, Literature, Handicrafts, and other art forms remain invaluable.

Kala Margi – The Path Finder of Arts

The Kala Margi award recognizes those who have contributed deeply to the pedagogical and authentic promotion of their art. These artists have made a lasting mark on their fields, preserving and evolving tradition through their exemplary sadhana (dedicated practice), creativity, and a teaching style that illuminates the path of their art form.

Kala Srijak – The Creator of Art

The Kala Srijak award celebrates those who have not only established themselves through their sadhana but have also expanded their art’s boundaries. Their unique creative contributions bring forth novel expressions within the framework of their tradition, offering audiences fresh and profound artistic experiences.

Kala Sadhak – The One Devoted to Art

The Kala Sadhak award honors young artists who have distinguished themselves through dedication, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Their talent and devotion are a testament to the promising future of their art form, embodying the spirit of dedication and the vibrancy of youth in artistry.