Rezwana Chowdhury Banya, a highly experienced performer of Rabindra Sangeet from Bangladesh, is honoured with the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award. Before Republic Day, as is customary each year, the Ministry of Home Affairs released the list of those who will be honoured with the Padma Award on January 25, 2024. A total of 110 individuals will get the Padma Shri award this year.
According to Rezwana Chowdhury, she expressed to the media that receiving any form of acknowledgement brings her great happiness. I am grateful. This honour includes all individuals who engage in musical performance, extending beyond my involvement. Previously, I received the ‘Bangabhushan’ award from the government of West Bengal; however, this time I have been honoured with the Padma Shri award by the central government. It is a matter of more pride.
In 2016, Rezwana Chowdhury of Dui Bengal was honoured with Bangladesh’s highest civil liberties award for her notable contribution to Bannya Sangeet. In addition, the artist has received other accolades, such as the ‘Bangabhushan’ award and the Feroza Begum Memorial Gold Medal presented by the West Bengal State Government.
Banya was born on January 13, 1957, in the Rangpur area. She attended Chhaynat and later furthered her education at Visva Bharati University in India.
Additionally, she holds the positions of Associate Professor in the Drama and Music Department and Chairperson of the Dance Department at Dhaka University.