NEW DELHI, (PIB): The President of India conferred the prestigious Padma Shri award on Naren Gurung from Sikkim in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the field of art. The PadmiShri was conferred during the Civil Investiture Ceremony in New Delhi on Monday.
Naren Gurung is a renowned artist, singer, musician, choreographer, and drama artist from Sikkim. He has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Sikkim, particularly in the field of Nepali folk literature and music.
Born on January 21, 1957, Gurung has had a distinguished career spanning over four decades. He has performed extensively across India and abroad, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Sikkim. He has also penned several books on folk music and culture.
The Padma Shri award is a tribute to Gurung's tireless efforts to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Sikkim. His contributions to the field of art have been invaluable, and this recognition is a fitting acknowledgment of his dedication and passion.
Naren Gurung received his Higher Secondary Education Certificate from West Bengal Education Board in the year 1974. Later he joined as a primary teacher in Dikling High School, presently under Pakyong district. Government of Sikkim transferred him into Song and Drama unit in 1979 on considering his talent in the field of Art and Culture.
Gurung is the founder artist of the Song and Drama unit of Sikkim.
He is also a graded artist as he has performed radio AIR concert and recording with AIR stations of Gangtok, Shillong, Agartala, Imphal, Guwahati, and Kurseong. He is associated to Sangeet Natak Akadamy, New Delhi (life time) and NEZCC, EZCC and Sikkim Akademi, Nepali Sahitya Parishad Sikkim and Sanskar Bharati Sikkim. Besides the above awards, he has been invited as a resource person and jury member for many events held within Sikkim and outside as well. Showcasing the cultural heritage of the State, he had performed folk lore all over India and abroad like North/South America, Africa, etc.
Gurung has done specialization on research and study in many subjects of Nepali folk songs and folk dances as well as parampara and folk tales (customary and folk tales) such as Maruni, Sorathi, Sangini, Ratauli, Ghasia, Rasia, Asaray, Damkey, Bethi, Balan, Khaichadi, Dolakhe, Kanyadan, Nawmati, Dhannaach, Shilok, Kabite, Chudka, Jhaurey, Gaine, Deosi-Bhailo, Bhaileni, Malshree, ThadoBhaka, TamangSelo, Chandi, Ghato, Kaura, Gothaleygeet, Tungnageet, LokDohori etc.
Gurung has penned a couple of books viz; Lok Darpanbhitra Bhanjhyangka Bhakaharu 2017, Lokayan ma Banchaka Nepali Lokgeet Sangeet 2021, Tirsana Geet-Sangeetko 2023.
Gurung is the recipient of numerous awards and honours. He has been conferred Sikkim State Award 2008 for folk singer,composer and lyricist, Sangeet Natak Akadamy Award 2004 New Delhi, Sikkim Sewa Samman 2022 by Government of Sikkim, and Lok Sahityakar M.M. Gurung Smriti award 2022 by Gaari Bas Darjeeling.