Ahmad Sarmast received the prestigious Polar Music Prize from King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.
Afghanistan's National Institute of Music (ANIM) was established on June 20, 2010 by Ahmad Nasser Sarmast, a recognized musician of Afghanistan. The Institute primarily aims to improve and change lives, ensure the rights of children and adolescents in the field of musical, empower women and contribute to gender equality through music, safeguard and restore the country's musical traditions and also ensure cultural and musical diversity as well as cultural diplomacy. In a very short period of time, the Institute turned into one of the most influential and recognized educational and cultural institutions in Afghanistan at both national and international level.
In 2018, the Institute received the prestigious Polar Music Prize, and its students, particularly members of Zohreh Orchestra, have performed in many countries. It is worth mentioning that half of the students of Afghanistan's National School of Music are orphans and homeless.
Sarmast, the founder of Afghanistan's National Institute of Music (ANIM), have been trained at Moscow Conservatoire and later continued his studies in the field of music in Australia. He has received his PhD degree in Afghanistan Music from Monash University of Australia. In 2006, he returned to Afghanistan to study 'how the damage caused by war on Afghanistan's music could be eliminated'. He also believes in the 'healing role of music' for the 'future of Afghanistan'. Sarmast also won the UNESCO Award for Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation.
More information may be acquired at:
•https://www.anim-usic.org/8vtjohb7impivcd3a6qvmvl0924o2x
•https://www.bbc.com/persian/arts-44484911