President Droupadi Murmu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee and renowned Pandwani singer Teejan Bai. Teejan Bai, aged 70, breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Raipur after battling severe health issues, including lung infection, sepsis, and acute kidney injury. President Murmu praised Teejan Bai’s significant contributions to India’s cultural heritage, highlighting her powerful voice and unique storytelling style that brought Mahabharata tales to life on stage.
Teejan Bai, born in 1956 in Chhattisgarh, started from humble beginnings and gained international acclaim as a folk icon specializing in Pandwani, a traditional Chhattisgarh folk singing style narrating stories from the Mahabharata. Her emotional and energetic performances on stage, coupled with her unique delivery, propelled this folk tradition onto the global platform. Throughout her career, Teejan Bai received prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1988, Padma Bhushan in 2003, and Padma Vibhushan in 2019, along with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995, for her immense contribution to Indian folk culture.
President Murmu extended her heartfelt condolences to Teejan Bai’s family and fans, emphasizing the lasting impact of her talent and dedication in promoting Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural heritage both nationally and internationally.
