Pandwani is a genre through which Chhattisgarh has gained recognition all over the world. Our Pandwani artists have mesmerized people with performances based on Mahabharata tales in New York, Paris, and London. Through their art, they have not only kept the tradition of Chhattisgarh alive but have also carried the soul of Indian culture to global platforms. Today, Pandwani has become a symbol of our folk consciousness, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride.
This was stated by Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai while addressing the concluding ceremony of the Pandwani Mahasammelan organized in village Medesara of Durg district on the occasion of International Artist Day.
In this program organized courtesy of the Culture Department, Government of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority and MLA Ahivara Shri Domonlal Korsewada, Vice Chairman of Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Class Area Development Authority and MLA Durg Rural Shri Lalit Chandrakar, MLA Saja Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Oilseed Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, former ministers Smt. Ramsheela Sahu and Shri Jageshwar Sahu, former MLAs Shri Labhchand Bafna and Dr. Dayaram Sahu, President of Durg Zila Panchayat Smt. Saraswati Banjare, and Mayor of Durg Municipal Corporation Smt. Alka Bagmar were also present.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that today I also remember the pioneer of Pandwani, the late Jhaduram Dewangan ji. When he used to perform with a tambura in his hand, the audience would be mesmerized. The special success of female artists in Pandwani singing has been remarkable. I also recall the late Lakshmi Banjare ji. It is Chhattisgarh’s good fortune that a great personality like Teejan Bai was born on our land, who has received all three honors: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. When she sings an alap with a tambura, it feels as if the gods and goddesses of the sky are also listening to her.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that I have heard Teejan Bai ji’s Pandwani on many occasions. Her Pandwani singing in Shyam Benegal’s ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ fills the mind with joy and curiosity. Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle ji is present among us, who has mesmerized all the listeners with her wonderful Pandwani singing.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Pandwani is our invaluable heritage. Today, through the organization of this Mahasammelan, you all have done a very commendable job of preserving this heritage and passing it on to future generations.
He said that in our childhood, we heard stories from Ramayana through Ramlila mandalis and stories from Mahabharata through Pandwani. Generation after generation, these folk artists have conveyed great stories like Ramayana and Mahabharata to the masses.
The Chief Minister said that Pandwani singing is unique in the sense that there is no distinction between male and female. Artists like Teejan Bai and Dr. Usha Barle have proven through their talent that this genre is a symbol of women’s skill and sensitivity. The social fabric of Chhattisgarh is also reflected through Pandwani singing – here, the participation of female power is also leading in the field of art and they are always encouraged.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that every region from Surguja to Bastar has its own distinct culture. Our government gives the highest priority to Chhattisgarh’s folk art and culture. The pension amount for artists has been increased, and the number of opportunities has also been increased. By deciding to establish Chitrotpala Film City, we have tried to empower Chhattisgarh cinema.
He said that when Atal ji created the state of Chhattisgarh, he had a deep intention to preserve culture along with development. Today, when I see such a beautiful event, I feel peace of mind that Atal ji’s intention has been fulfilled. He informed that the state’s silver jubilee will be celebrated on November 1, which will be a festival of our folk culture. Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji will also be present on this occasion. The Chief Minister urged everyone to participate in the State Festival and enhance Chhattisgarh’s pride.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the education department will soon start the recruitment process for 5000 posts. The fulfillment of these posts will largely alleviate the shortage of teachers in rural and tribal areas, leading to a significant improvement in the quality and continuity of education.
Chief Minister Shri Sai announced the commencement of postgraduate classes at Nagarik Kalyan College Nandini, the opening of a B.Ed college in Achhoti, the development of Medesara as an ideal village, Rs 20 lakh for a community building, and the construction of CC roads in all panchayats of the area.
In his brief address, the chairman of the program, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, congratulated all the Pandwani artists on the occasion of International Artist Day. He said that Chhattisgarh holds a distinct identity in the country and the world for art and culture. It is a state full of artists. He invited everyone to Raipur for the State Festival on November 1.
In her welcome address, the convenor of the program, Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, highlighted the objectives of International Artist Day and the Pandwani Mahasammelan. She expressed her gratitude to the Chief Guest Chief Minister Shri Sai and all other guests.
Local public representatives, Divisional Commissioner Shri S.N. Rathore, IG Shri R.G. Garg, Collector Shri Abhijit Singh, SSP Shri Vijay Agarwal, along with other officials, folk artists of Pandwani, and a large number of dignitaries were present on this occasion.