Raipur, Oct. 20 -- Chhattisgarh's rich artistic traditions, cultural heritage and theatre have received national recognition, with two distinguished artists from the state being honoured with the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar.

At a ceremony held on Monday, at the Meghdoot Theatre Complex, Rabindra Bhavan, New Delhi, union Minister for Culture and Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat honoured Dr Anand Pandey of Jashpur for his contribution to theatre and acting, and Ghanshyam Sahu of Sarangarh for his distinctive playwriting and impactful screenplay writing for Chhattisgarhi films.

Dr Pandey has worked to nurture theatre in the remote tribal region of Jashpur, while Sahu has made notable contributions to ...