Guru Shashadhar Acharya was awarded the Padma Shri in 2020 for his contribution in which of the following fields?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Folk dance.
 Guru Shashadhar Acharya is a renowned exponent of the Chhau dance, which is a traditional Indian folk dance.
 Chhau dance originates from the eastern Indian states of West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha.
 This dance form is known for its vigorous movements and martial arts-inspired techniques.
 Guru Shashadhar Acharya has significantly contributed to the preservation, teaching, and promotion of Chhau dance, which led to his recognition with the Padma Shri award in 2020.
Information Booster:
 The Padma Awards are among the highest civilian honors in India, recognizing exceptional achievements in various fields.
 There are three categories of Padma Awards: Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service, Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order, and Padma Shri for distinguished service in any field.
 The awards cover a wide range of disciplines, including arts, social work, public affairs, science and engineering, trade and industry, medicine, literature and education, sports, and civil service.
 Nominations are invited from the government, state governments, and individuals. The Padma Awards Committee, constituted by the Prime Minister, reviews the nominations.
 The recommendations of the committee are submitted to the President of India for approval.
 The awards are announced on the eve of Republic Day (26th January) and presented by the President of India at a ceremonial function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
 Instituted in 1954, the awards aim to honor individuals for their exceptional contribution to society and the nation.
 Receiving a Padma Award is a mark of recognition for excellence in one's field and a significant contribution to the nation’s development and progress.