Internationally acclaimed folk artiste, researcher and world record holder Dr Joginder Habbi is set to receive the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award from the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to preserving, promoting and propagating the rich folk culture of Himachal Pradesh.
The honour marks a significant milestone in Dr Habbi’s more than three-decade-long journey dedicated to safeguarding the state’s traditional art forms. At a time when several indigenous dances were fading into obscurity, he devoted himself to documenting, reviving and presenting these cultural treasures to wider audiences.
Working closely with his cultural mentor, Padma Shri Vidyanand Saraik, Dr Habbi undertook extensive research on a number of traditional folk forms, including Thoda, Hatti Nati, Singhtu Dance, Badhaltu Dance and Dagyali Naach. Through years of study, performances and public outreach, he played a pivotal role in bringing these endangered traditions back into the cultural mainstream and ensuring their survival in an increasingly modernised world.
Dr Habbi also founded the Chureshwar Cultural Society and Aasra Sanstha, institutions that have trained numerous artistes and cultural troupes. These groups have gone on to perform across India and abroad, helping showcase Himachal Pradesh’s folk heritage on national and international platforms.
Under his leadership, the folk dances of Sirmaur district have earned widespread recognition. Artistes guided by him have represented India in countries such as Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. He is particularly credited with taking the traditional martial folk art of Thoda to international stages for the first time, introducing global audiences to one of Himachal’s most distinctive cultural expressions.
Apart from his performances and training initiatives, Dr Habbi has made substantial academic contributions to folk studies. He has authored two books, published several research papers and has three more books awaiting publication. He has also directed five documentaries on folk arts and a telefilm on Thoda, besides choreographing folk dances for numerous major cultural events.
