Pandwani is an Art Form Through Which Chhattisgarh Gained Global Recognition: Sai

Raipur, October 25

Pandwani is an art form through which Chhattisgarh has gained recognition across the world. Our Pandwani artists have mesmerized people from New York, Paris, and London with their presentations based on the tales of the Mahabharata. Through their art, they have not only kept the tradition of Chhattisgarh alive but have also taken the soul of Indian culture to global platforms. Today, Pandwani has become a symbol of our folk consciousness, women’s empowerment, and cultural pride.
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai made this statement while addressing the closing ceremony of the Pandwani Mahasammelan (Grand Conference) organized on the occasion of International Artists Day in the village of Medesara, Durg district.
The event, organized under the auspices of the Culture Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh, Raipur, was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, Vice Chairman of the Scheduled Caste Development Authority and MLA of Ahivara Shri Domarlal Korsewada, Vice Chairman of the Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Area Development Authority and MLA of Durg Rural Shri Lalit Chandrakar, MLA of Saja Shri Ishwar Sahu, Chairman of the State Telghani Board Shri Jitendra Sahu, former ministers Smt. Ramshila Sahu and Shri Jagneshwar Sahu, former MLAs Shri Labhchand Bafna and Dr. Dayaram Sahu, President of District Panchayat Durg Smt. Saraswati Banjare, and Mayor of Durg Municipal Corporation Smt. Alka Bagmar.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “Today, I am also reminded of the pioneer of Pandwani, the late Jhaduram Devangan ji. When he performed with the tambura (a string instrument) in his hand, the audience was enchanted. The special success of women artists in Pandwani singing is remarkable. I also recall the late Laxmi Banjare ji. It is Chhattisgarh’s fortune that we have a personality like Teejan Bai ji on our soil, who has received all three honors: Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. When she sings an alaap (opening notes) with the tambura, it feels as if the gods and goddesses in the sky are listening to her.”
Chief Minister Shri Sai said, “I have listened to Teejan Bai ji’s Pandwani on many occasions. Her Pandwani singing segment in Shyam Benegal’s ‘Bharat Ek Khoj’ (Discovery of India) fills the mind with joy and curiosity. Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle ji is present amongst us, who has mesmerized all listeners with her incredible Pandwani singing.”
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that Pandwani is our invaluable heritage. By organizing this Mahasammelan today, all of you have done a very commendable job of preserving this heritage and passing it on to the coming generations.
He said that in our childhood, we heard the stories of the Ramayana through Ramleela troupes and the stories of the Mahabharata through Pandwani. Generation after generation, these folk artists have conveyed the great epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to the masses.
The Chief Minister said that Pandwani singing is also unique because there is no distinction between men and women in it. Artists like Teejan Bai and Dr. Usha Barle have proven with their talent that this art form is a symbol of women’s skill and sensitivity. The social ethos of Chhattisgarh is also reflected through Pandwani singing—the participation of women (Matrishakti) is prominent in the field of art here, 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 folk art and culture. The pension amount for artists has been increased, and the number of opportunities has also been enhanced. By deciding to establish the Chitrotpala Film City, we have tried to empower Chhattisgarh cinema.
He said that when Atal ji (late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee) created the state of Chhattisgarh, he had a deep intention not only for development but also for preserving the culture. Today, when I see such a beautiful event, it gives me 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. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji will also be present on this occasion. The Chief Minister urged everyone to participate in the Rajyotsava and enhance the glory of Chhattisgarh.
Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Education Department will soon begin the recruitment process for 5,000 posts. The fulfillment of these posts will largely address the shortage of teachers in rural and tribal areas, leading to significant improvement in the quality and continuity of education.
Chief Minister Shri Sai announced the commencement of post-graduate classes at Nagarik Kalyan Mahavidyalaya Nandini, the opening of a B.Ed. college in Achhoti, the development of Medesara as a Model Village, ₹20 lakh for a community hall, and the construction of CC roads in all Panchayats of the area.
Deputy Chief Minister Shri Arun Sao, the President of the program, congratulated all the Pandwani artists on the occasion of International Artists Day in his brief address. He said that Chhattisgarh holds a distinct identity in the country and the world for its art and culture. It is a state full of artists. He invited everyone to Raipur for the Rajyotsava on November 1.
The convener of the program, Padma Shri Dr. Usha Barle, highlighted the objectives of the International Artists Day and the Pandwani Mahasammelan in her welcome address. She expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, Chief Minister Shri Sai, and all other guests.
The event was attended by local public representatives, Divisional Commissioner Shri S. N. Rathore, IG Shri R. G. Garg, Collector Shri Abhijeet Singh, SSP Shri Vijay Agrawal, along with other officials, Pandwani folk artists, and a large number of dignitaries.