In a proud celebration of India’s classical traditions, Janane Narayanan, a 14-year-old Harikatha artist and Carnatic music student, has been honoured with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar 2025 in the Art and Culture category.
Janane is among the youngest performers reviving the centuries-old storytelling tradition of Harikatha, which combines music, narration, and philosophy to convey moral and spiritual lessons from Indian scriptures. With her expressive narration, strong grasp of Carnatic ragas, and clear diction in multiple languages, she is earning praise from maestros and scholars alike.
Harikatha, once a staple of temple festivals and spiritual gatherings, is a fading art form. But Janane’s commitment to it, alongside her training in Carnatic vocal music, is helping to keep the tradition vibrant among the youth.
She began learning Carnatic music at the age of five and discovered Harikatha soon after. Guided by her gurus and inspired by devotional texts, she now performs independently across cultural stages, temples, and heritage events, often weaving stories from the Bhagavata Purana, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
The Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar, India’s highest civilian award for children under 18, recognizes extraordinary talent and contributions in various fields. Janane was awarded in the Art & Culture category for her remarkable skill in preserving India’s narrative musical traditions.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his congratulatory message, said,
“Janane Narayanan’s devotion to Harikatha and classical music reflects the timeless spirit of India’s culture. She is not only preserving heritage but also inspiring young Indians to rediscover it.”
Despite her young age, Janane is passionate about reaching new audiences through Harikatha and hopes to modernize its presentation without losing its traditional soul. She also dreams of writing and composing her own musical-narrative productions, and one day, teaching the art form to others.
At just 14, Janane Narayanan is a cultural ambassador, proving that tradition and talent, when nurtured early, can echo through generations.
