Padma Shri and State honour awardees – artists, writers and cultural luminaries pay heartfelt tribute to Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai on the Mukta Kashi stage

Edited news Padma Shri and State honour awardees – artists, writers and cultural luminaries paid heartfelt tribute to Padma Vibhushan Dr. Teejan Bai at the Mukta Kashi stage. The government announced that an annual state award in the field of Pandwani art will be given in Dr. Teejan Bai’s name, her birthplace Ganeyari village will be developed as a cultural village, and her cherished tambura will be preserved and displayed at the Mahant Ghasidas Museum complex in Raipur for future generations to draw inspiration. Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal also presented a cheque of one lakh rupees to Dr. Teejan Bai’s daughter-in-law Venu Deshmukh, who expressed gratitude to the minister and the Department of Culture, calling the honor a tribute to the entire folk art tradition. The minister said that a voice never remains silent, it resonates across time, and Dr. Teejan Bai’s voice is the immortal echo of Chhattisgarh’s folk soul, continuing to connect future generations with its culture, tradition and pride. He affirmed the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting folk arts, and said the announcements are an extension of that resolve. During the ceremony, Minister Agrawal, Secretary S. Bharati Dasan and Director Dr. Sanjay Kannoje unveiled a special brochure on Dr. Teejan Bai’s life and artistic journey, and guests offered flowers to her portrait. The Culture Department also screened a documentary on her life. The musical tribute began with Pandwani singing by folk artist Pushpa Nishad, followed by Dr. Teejan Bai’s disciples Taruna Sahu, Aaradhya Sahu and Durga Sahu delivering powerful Kapalik‑style performances, and Dushyant Dwivedi presenting a Vedamati rendition, moving the audience deeply. Literary figures, artists and culture lovers shared memories of Dr. Teejan Bai, recalling her unique personality and artistic dedication, and many speakers said she brought Chhattisgarh’s folk culture to global recognition. Artists also demanded posthumous Bharat Ratna honour for Dr. Teejan Bai and the establishment of a Pandwani and cultural university in her name. Distinguished guests included Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Rajbhasha Commission Prabhat Mishra, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Sahitya Academy Shashank Sharma, Chairperson of Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation Mona Sen, Minority Commission Chairman Amarjeet Chabdar, President of Seeds and Agricultural Development Corporation Chandrahas Chandraakar, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Waqf Board Saleem Raj, UCC member Mohan Pawar and many others. Literary personalities such as Dr. P.C. Lal Yadav, Paradeshiram Verma, Dr. Sushil Trivedi and artists Padma Shri awardees Mamata Chandrakar, Bharti Bhandu, Usha Barle, Radheshyam Barle, Meera Ali Meera, Nirmala Thakur, Mokshada Chandrakar, Sunil Sony, Kiran Sharma, Kavita Vasanik, Rakesh Tiwari, Saraswati Barle, Vandana Barle, Durga Sahu, historian Acharya Ramendra Nath Mishra, Ashok Tiwari, collector of Chhattisgarhi instruments Rikki Kshatri, Chetan Devangan, Ratan Pandey and Sudhir Sharma attended in large numbers. The event was chaired by Prabhat Mishra and Arun Nirmalkar. At the close, Mona Sen thanked the minister and the department, stating that Dr. Teejan Bai’s voice brought not only Pandwani but also Chhattisgarh’s cultural identity to the world stage, and that true tribute is to carry forward her folk art, traditions and values to future generations. The Culture Department and state government will continue to safeguard and promote this invaluable heritage. Though the great artist is no longer physically present, her art, devotion and cultural legacy remain alive in society’s consciousness, and her immortal voice will continue to inspire coming generations and resonate in Chhattisgarh’s folk currents.