Gangtok, Sikkim: In a proud moment for Sikkim and its cultural community, folk dancer, choreographer, and cultural practitioner Dilu Tamang has been selected for the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, one of India’s highest honors for young performing artists.
Born to Shri Dhan Bahadur Tamang and Smt. Maya Tamang, Dilu Tamang hails from Tadong, Sikkim. She has devoted her life to preserving, promoting, and showcasing the rich folk traditions of Sikkim through dance, cultural education, and artistic excellence.
Instituted by Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar recognizes outstanding artists below the age of 40 for their exceptional contributions to music, dance, theatre, folk and traditional arts, and puppetry.
Dilu Tamang is the founder and director of Dynamic Flickers Dance Academy in Ranipool, an institution that has nurtured young talent and promoted cultural education for more than a decade. Through her academy and performances, she has played a significant role in safeguarding Sikkim’s unique cultural heritage.
Over the years, she has represented both Sikkim and India on numerous national and international platforms. Most recently, she participated in the World Expo Osaka 2025, where she presented the vibrant folk traditions of Sikkim before a global audience.
Her achievements also include leading her team to victory at the National Tribal Dance Festival in 2022, bringing national recognition to Sikkim’s rich cultural heritage. In 2023, she was honored with the Nritya Seva Shri Samman for her outstanding contribution to dance and culture.
Among her notable accomplishments, Dilu choreographed the cultural programme during the visit of Narendra Modi to Sikkim, where the performers received a standing ovation for their presentation.
Expressing her gratitude after being selected for the award, Dilu Tamang said that the recognition belonged not only to her but also to every artist, mentor, and cultural practitioner dedicated to preserving folk traditions.
“Sikkim is blessed with a rich cultural heritage, and our folk dances reflect our identity, history, and way of life,” she said. “I dedicate this honor to the people of Sikkim and to all my students who continue to carry forward our traditions with pride.”
She further noted that the award would inspire her to work even harder toward preserving and promoting indigenous art forms and encourage young people to embrace their culture and keep traditional practices alive for future generations.
Her selection for the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar is being celebrated as a landmark achievement for Sikkim’s artistic fraternity. The honor recognizes her remarkable contribution to folk dance and her unwavering commitment to promoting the cultural heritage of Sikkim on national and international platforms.
