Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar for Mickma Lepcha

GANGTOK, 13 Sept: Mickma Tshering Lepcha of Tashiding, West Sikkim was conferred the prestigious ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ for his achievements in the field of Lepcha folk music and songs. The award was presented by Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Music, Dance and Drama, New Delhi.
The award includes a Plaque, Angavastra and a cash prize of Rs 25,000 which was handed over by Sangeet Natak Akademi chairperson Leela Samson at FICCI auditorium, New Delhi on 07 September.
A press release informs that the award was constituted for the preservation, promotion and development of the various art forms which includes folk songs and music of various communities of various states of the country.
On the occasion, a Sikkim group also presented a cultural programme for half an hour. The release informs that the artistes from Sikkim included Norden Lepcha on Tungarbong, Suren Subba flute, Topden Lepcha on Sutsang, Palden Lepcha on Longthyol Kungthyol, Leeyong Lepcha on Po-Potek and Phursong Lepcha as vocal accompanist and Po-Posong.