India's folk art world has suffered a major loss. Teejan Bai, the celebrated singer who took Pandwani folk narrative singing to households across the country, has passed away. The veteran artist from Chhattisgarh breathed her last at AIIMS Raipur. News of her death sent a wave of grief through the art and music community, with leaders, artists and fans across the country sharing condolences. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was among those who shared an emotional message on his official account on the social media platform X.
What Rajnath Singh Said
In his post, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed deep sorrow over Teejan Bai's death. He wrote,
The death of the popular Pandwani singer Teejan Bai, who left an indelible mark with her singing in the field of folk arts, has caused me deep anguish. She played an important role in bringing national and international recognition to the art of Chhattisgarh. Her passing is a loss for the world of art and music
The message makes clear that Teejan Bai's work was never confined to Chhattisgarh alone. Her performances carried the state's folk art to national and global stages, and her passing is being described as a significant loss for the world of art.
About Teejan Bai
Teejan Bai is regarded as the first woman artist of the Pandwani folk narrative singing style of Chhattisgarh. Through her powerful voice and distinctive style of performance, she carried this traditional art form to stages across India and abroad. In recognition of her contribution, Bilaspur University conferred an honorary D.Litt degree on her. The Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri in 1988 and the Padma Bhushan in 2003 for her contribution to the arts. She also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995 and the Nritya Shiromani honour in 2007. She was later also conferred the Padma Vibhushan, the country's second-highest civilian award, in recognition of her decades of contribution.
Public Reaction
Rajnath Singh's post drew a mixed response on social media. While many users expressed grief over Teejan Bai's death and recalled her contribution to folk art, some others used the occasion to share unrelated personal remarks and questions.
