Eighty-six-year-old Hindustani classical vocalist from Shimla, Som Dutt Battu will be conferred the Padma Shri award for his contribution in the field of Art this year, according to the list of Padma awards released by the Union Home Ministry last night.
He is the only one from Himachal Pradesh to be conferred the fourth highest civilian award, Padma Shri in 2024.
“It is the recognition of my long tapasya in music. Though it has come late for me, at 86, I am grateful to the Government of India for picking me up for this prestigious award,” Battu said.
He said he had no idea of the award till yesterday when he got the call from the Union Home Ministry.
Battu, a Hindustani classical vocalist of Patiala Gharana, stands out for his continued commitment to music. He was recognized for his brilliance and was conferred the ‘Himachal Gaurav’ award in 2016.
He is also the recipient of the Sangeet Natak Academy Award, the Punjab Sangeet Rattan Award and the state award of the Delhi government. He is also a member of the Empanelment Committee of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations on Hindustani music.
Follow us
