Ayaan Sajad, a 12-year-old musical talent from Kashmir, has been conferred with the prestigious Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by President Droupadi Murmu for his remarkable talent and contributions to the field of art and culture.
The award ceremony was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan to showcase the achievements of exceptional young individuals from across the country.
Hailing from Anantnag in South Kashmir, Ayaan captured the spotlight with his heartfelt performance of the classic Kashmiri song Bedard Dadi Chane.
President Murmu honored 12-year-old Ayaan Sajad with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar in Art & Culture for his soulful contributions to Kashmiri music & culture at Rashtrapati Bhavan! 🎤🎶 #ProudMoment #AyaanSajad #Kashmir #SufiSinger #ArtAndCulture… pic.twitter.com/K3sey0mBpZ
— RadioChinar (@Radio_Chinar) December 27, 2024
Originally composed by the renowned 17th-century Sufi poet Shamas Fakeer, the song combines traditional Kashmiri music with contemporary styles, earning Ayaan widespread recognition and millions of online views.
Starting with humble performances at local events and family gatherings, the 12-year-old’s journey took a significant turn when RJ Umer, a local radio presenter, identified his potential and gave him a platform.
Kashmiri young singer Ayaan Sajad got appreciation from PM Modi @narendramodi after getting the Rashtriya Bal Puraskar Award #Southkashmir#Kashmiriyoung #singer #AyaanSajad #Rashtriyabalpuraskaraward pic.twitter.com/wQbb1CSlAr
— Sadath Ah khanday 🦅 (@sadath_khanday) December 26, 2024
Together, they created a new version of Bedard Dadi Chane under Mashq Talks – Music, merging Sufi themes with modern musical elements like pop and rap.
Ayaan has expressed a strong desire to take Kashmiri music to a global stage, inspiring younger generations to reconnect with their cultural roots. While nurturing his artistic ambitions, he aspires to pursue his education and prepare for competitive exams like the UPSC.
Known for his versatility, Ayaan performs a range of songs, including the popular tracks Jaana Janai and Go Kiya Malal Yaaras and devotional naats. Despite limited formal training, his passion and dedication have made him a beloved figure in the world of Kashmiri music, particularly among younger audiences who see him as a cultural bridge between tradition and modernity.
