Karnataka Row Erupts Over Carnatic Musician Receiving National Folk Music Award

The Sangeet Natak Akademi's decision to honour Carnatic musician S.C. Sharma in the folk music category has sparked a debate in Karnataka, with members of the state's folk arts community arguing that the recognition should have gone to an artist dedicated to preserving and performing folk traditions.

The controversy follows the Akademi's announcement of its 2024-25 Akademi Puraskar and Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recipients earlier this month. Among the six awardees from Karnataka, Sharma was selected for the folk music honour, prompting criticism from several folklore researchers, artists and cultural practitioners.

Critics contend that Sharma is primarily recognised as a Carnatic musician and academic, having previously served as Vice-Chancellor of Tumkur University and Director of the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). They argue that the award should recognise artists whose lifelong work has been rooted in Karnataka's folk music traditions.

Folklore researcher Arun Jolad Kudulgi was among those who questioned the selection, claiming Sharma's body of work has limited engagement with folk music. Others, including members of Karnataka's folk arts community, have expressed concern that such recognitions are vital for preserving traditional art forms and supporting artists who have devoted their careers to the genre.

Dance practitioner Sneha Kappana also voiced disappointment, saying national honours can significantly benefit folk musicians, who often receive fewer opportunities for recognition despite playing a crucial role in safeguarding the state's cultural heritage.

However, Sharma's supporters have defended the Akademi's decision. Carnatic musician and academic Udhay Kiran KT said Sharma has consistently incorporated folk traditions into his performances and has made meaningful contributions to documenting, preserving and promoting folk arts over several decades.

Not everyone in the arts community agrees. Bengaluru-based arts educator T.N. Krishnamoorthy maintained that the award should have gone to a practising folk artist, particularly one from a marginalised background who has worked directly within the tradition.

Besides Sharma, this year's Sangeet Natak Akademi honours for Karnataka include Yakshagana exponent Keremane Shivananda Hegde, theatre director T.S. Nagabharana, musician T.S. Sathyavathi, Rudra Veena artiste Jyoti Hegde and young Hindustani vocalist Mahalaxmi Shenoy, who received the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.

The episode has reignited discussions around how India's highest performing arts honours classify artistic disciplines and whether award categories should more closely reflect practitioners' primary contributions to their respective traditions.