Raipur: Condolences have started pouring in after the passing of Padma Vibhishan Teejan Bai, considered one of the most celebrated folk artists of the country.
“Deeply saddened by the demise of renowned Pandavani singer Teejan Bai ji. She gave Chhattisgarh’s folk art a unique global identity through her magnificent performances. Her passing is an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture. My condolences are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. Om Shanti,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X.
Chhattisgarh chief minister Vishnu Dev Sai said: “It is deeply saddening to learn about the demise of Padma Vibhushan awardee and world-renowned Pandavani artist Dr Teejan Bai, the immortal storyteller of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture. Her passing is an irreparable loss not only to the world of folk art but also to the cultural heritage of the entire state of Chha
ttisgarh and the nation.”
Teejan Bai passed away at the age of 70 at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Raipur, after battling a prolonged illness, as reported by ANI.
Her death was confirmed by doctors at AIIMS after her condition deteriorated during the early hours of Sunday, as reported by The Times of India.
She had been admitted to the hospital on May 27 this year after experiencing breathing difficulties and severe weakness. Doctors treating the veteran artist had earlier stated that she was suffering from life-threatening complications along with multiple pre-existing medical conditions.
Hospital authorities said that her health worsened significantly around 3.15 am. Despite best efforts, she could not be revived.
Teejan Bai was born in 1956 in the Ganiyari village of Durg district, Chhattisgarh. She dedicated her life to preserving and promoting Pandavani which is the traditional storytelling performance based on the Mahabharata.
She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 1988, followed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1995. She was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003, the same year she received an honorary Doctor of Letters (D. Litt. ) from Bilaspur University.
Teejan Bai received the M S Subbulakshmi Centenary Award in 2016, the prestigious Fukuoka Prize in 2018, and the Padma Vibhushan, India’s second-highest civilian honour, in 2019.
Her journey from a remote village in Chhattisgarh to becoming one of the country’s most celebrated folk artistes has inspired many.