Renowned classical dancer Sonal Mansingh received the Srimanta Sankardeva Award 2023 from Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, recognizing her lifelong contribution to Indian classical dance, cultural advocacy, and social reform. Though President Droupadi Murmu was initially scheduled to confer the award, her visit was cancelled. Mansingh expressed gratitude, crediting Ma Kamakhya’s blessings. She played a key role in recognizing Sattriya as India’s eighth classical dance form. Leaders praised her dedication, with CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighting her role in preserving tradition and promoting social causes through Bharat Natyam and Odissi.