Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast

Founder and Director
Afghanistan National Institute of Music
Afghanistan

Dr. Ahmad Naser Sarmast, a laureate of Polar Music Prize, a recipient of the Honorary Membership Award of the Royal Philharmonic Society of the UK, is the Founder and Director of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) widely known internationally for its unique mission and vision. Dr Sarmast is an advocate for music education and strong believer in the power of music as a force in bringing about social changes, transforming lives, and connecting nations and civilisations.

He has been the victim of a targeted suicide bombing for the work he has done in reviving and protecting musical traditions of Afghanistan, ensuring musical rights of Afghan children, promoting gender equality and coeducation in music and promoting musical diversity in this war torn nation. In the face of such adversity, Dr Sarmast' tenacity and determination has not faltered and continues to grow to the dismay of extremist forces.

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