New Delhi, 05 July (H.S.): Renowned Chhattisgarh folk artist and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr. Teejan Bai, who brought the traditional art of Pandwani to global prominence, passed away at the age of 70. She breathed her last at 3:15 a.m. at AIIMS Raipur after battling illness for some time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over her demise.
In a post on X, Prime Minister Modi said, Deeply saddened by the passing of renowned Pandwani singer Teejan Bai Ji. Through her magnificent performances, she gave the folk art of Chhattisgarh a distinct identity across the world. Her demise is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My heartfelt condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!
For her extraordinary contribution to Indian folk arts, Teejan Bai was honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan, India's second-highest civilian award. Although she never had the opportunity to attend school during her childhood and could only complete education up to the fifth standard through a literacy campaign, her unparalleled mastery of Pandwani earned her almost every major honour in the country except the Bharat Ratna. She was also conferred the honorary Doctor of Letters (D.Litt.) degree on four occasions.
Born on April 24, 1956, in Ganiyari village near Bhilai in present-day Chhattisgarh, Teejan Bai was the daughter of Chunuklal Pardha and Sukhwati. Her journey was marked by immense hardship. Owing to her decision to pursue singing, she was ostracised by her community. Despite being socially excommunicated, she refused to abandon her passion for Pandwani.
Belonging to the Pardhi tribal community, Teejan Bai developed an interest in the Mahabharata by listening to her maternal grandfather, Brajlal, narrate and sing its stories. Over time, she memorised the epic tales. Recognising her dedication and exceptional talent, folk singer Umed Singh Deshmukh trained her in the art of Pandwani.
She gave her first public performance at the age of 13. At that time, women Pandwani performers were traditionally expected to sing only in the seated Vedamati style, while the standing Kapalik style was reserved for men. Teejan Bai broke that convention and became the first woman to perform Pandwani in the Kapalik style, setting a historic milestone in Indian folk music.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
