Rohtas/Patna: Folk singer Manisha Srivastava has been selected for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar 2025, one of India’s prominent awards for emerging artists.
The decision was taken during the General Council meeting of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, held in New Delhi from March 22 to 26 this year. A total of 106 young artists from across the country were chosen for the award.
Srivastava’s selection places Bihar among the states represented in this year’s list of recipients.
Artist describes award as recognition for Bhojpuri folk music
Reacting to the announcement, Srivastava said the honour was one of the most memorable moments of her life.
She described the recognition as not only a personal achievement but also an acknowledgement of Bhojpuri folk music and its audience. She said the award belonged to the wider community of listeners and practitioners associated with the genre.
Journey rooted in Bihar’s folk traditions
A native of Rohtas district, Srivastava grew up in an environment closely connected to folk music.
She has said that her grandfather encouraged her to pursue music while she was studying in Class VI. In 2007, she began performing as a child artist in the Bhojpuri folk music tradition.
Alongside her musical career, she completed an engineering degree and received formal training in music from the Prayag Sangeet Samiti in Prayagraj.
Focus on preserving traditional folk forms
Over the years, Srivastava has focused on promoting traditional Bhojpuri folk music and cultural heritage.
Her performances include folk genres such as Batohiya, Kajri, Sohar, Chaita and traditional wedding songs. She has also recorded songs on millet cultivation in collaboration with the Agriculture Department and performed a song dedicated to freedom fighter Veer Kunwar Singh.
Commitment to cultural preservation
Srivastava said she remains committed to taking Bhojpuri folk music to younger generations and expanding its reach.
According to her, folk music serves not only as a form of entertainment but also as a record of cultural identity, traditions and social history.
About the award
The Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is awarded by the Sangeet Natak Akademi to young artists for excellence and contribution in the fields of performing arts.
The award aims to encourage emerging talent and support the preservation and promotion of India’s cultural heritage.
