Rezwana Choudhury Bannya Honored With Padma Shri

Renowned Rabindra Sangeet artist Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has been honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Indian government, as announced on Thursday. This recognition adds another accolade to the distinguished career of the accomplished Bangladeshi singer.

The Padma awards, considered among India's highest civilian honors, are divided into three categories - Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. Awarded in fields such as art, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service, these accolades symbolize excellence and honor.

Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, known for her expertise in Rabindra Sangeet, has been awarded the Padma Shri for her outstanding contributions to the field of art. This acknowledgment places her among a select group of individuals who have made exceptional contributions in their respective domains.

The Padma awards are traditionally announced on India's Republic Day, January 26, and are presented by the Indian president at ceremonial functions held at Rashtrapati Bhawan, usually in March or April. For the year 2024, the president has approved the conferment of 132 Padma awards, recognizing outstanding service across diverse fields.

Bannya's inclusion in the list of Padma Shri awardees not only highlights her personal achievements but also underscores the global recognition of Bangladeshi talent in the arts and culture domain. Having previously received an Independence Award from the Bangladesh government in 2016, Bannya has been a trailblazer in promoting Rabindranath Tagore’s music.

In 2022, a dedicated website was launched by the government to preserve 5,000 songs by Bannya, accompanied by a comprehensive biography and photographs. This initiative solidified her status as the first Rabindra Sangeet singer to receive such a prestigious honor in Bangladesh.

Rezwana Choudhury Bannya's Padma Shri award stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to the art of Rabindra Sangeet and her significant role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage on an international scale.