India-based Dubai resident Jogiraj Sikidar has bagged this year’s Non-Resident Indian (NRI) of the Year award in the Art & Culture category.
Sikidar is a founder-director of Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts. He received the award from the Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday, at an event held in Mumbai.
“Malhaar has hit the perfect note with the Times Now NRI of the Year award,” he said.
“Malhaar is an Indian cultural movement in the UAE and this award is a recognition for each and every person who has been part of the Malhaar family over the last one decade in the United Arab Emirates,” says Sikidar.
According to the award’s official website, the fifth consecutive year for NRI of the Year awards presented by Times Now, ICICI Bank and Global Indian International School, honors expatriate Indians who “make India proud and inspire millions back home,”
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The eminent jury made up of a few eminent personalities from different professions in India decides the awardee. Out of the 11,500 nominations, this year a total of 22 NRIs have announced winners globally.
Jogiraj Sikidar’s musical journey started at a tender age of four in Silchar, Assam, India. Jogiraj for more than 25 years now has dedicated himself to performances and towards spreading Hindustani classical music.
Through Dubai-based Malhaar Sikidar has been directing and producing Indian Broadway, which is UAE’s largest Indian performing arts ensemble.
Sikidar launched the Malhaar Centre for Performing Arts in Dubai, UAE, in 2016 in order to connect the NRI community to their practice.
By Sowmya
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