New Delhi: Lokmanthan has paid rich tributes to Padma Vibhushan awardee and world-renowned Pandavani exponent Teejan Bai, describing her as “the immortal voice-priestess of India’s folk consciousness” following her passing on July 5 after a prolonged illness.
Teejan Bai, who brought the folk culture of Chhattisgarh and the Pandavani tradition to global recognition, passed away at AIIMS Raipur, where she had been undergoing treatment. She was accorded a state funeral at her native village, Ganiyari, in Durg district.
In a tribute issued by Lokmanthan, general secretary J. Nandakumar expressed profound grief over her demise, stating that the passing away of “Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai, the unparalleled practitioner of Indian folk culture and the world-renowned representative of the Pandavani tradition, is deeply saddening.”
The statement said that with her demise, “the world of Indian folk art has lost not only a great artist but also a visionary cultural luminary who gave voice to the soul of folk life.”
Recalling her extraordinary contribution to Indian culture, Lokmanthan said that through her exceptional talent, powerful voice, compelling performances and lifelong dedication, Teejan Bai elevated the Pandavani tradition of Chhattisgarh to international acclaim.
“The vitality with which she presented the story of the Mahabharata by connecting it with the folk language, folk sensibilities and the values of Indian life remains an unparalleled chapter in India’s cultural tradition. In her voice, there was not merely the flow of a story, but the resonance of India’s folk memory, cultural consciousness and the eternal vision of Sanatan life,” the statement said.
The tribute further noted that throughout her life, Teejan Bai demonstrated that folk arts were “not merely a medium of entertainment but carriers of the collective consciousness of society, cultural continuity and civilisational memory.” It added that her role in bringing global honour to Indian folk arts, instilling pride in folk traditions among younger generations and inspiring countless artists would remain unforgettable.
Remembering her association with Lokmanthan, the organisation said her affectionate presence remained “an invaluable legacy” for the Lokmanthan family. It recalled that during the first national edition of Lokmanthan held in Bhopal in 2016, her presence gave the event “a special cultural height”.
According to the statement, her powerful Pandavani performance mesmerised delegates, scholars, artists and audiences, while her interaction with young practitioners of art conveyed “an inspiring message of dedication towards practice, folk traditions, cultural responsibility and Indian life values.”
“Today, the Lokmanthan family remembers those unforgettable moments with deep reverence and gratitude,” the statement said.
Describing Lokmanthan as a national platform dedicated to Indian knowledge traditions, folk life and cultural discourse, the organisation said the life and dedication of Teejan Bai embodied the very ideals that Lokmanthan seeks to preserve, promote and restore.
“Her vocal sadhana will continue to illuminate India’s cultural consciousness for generations and will inspire future generations to remain connected to their roots,” the statement said.
It further observed that although “the physical voice of Teejan Bai has now fallen silent, her dedication, her words and the folk tradition she kept alive will forever continue to echo across the skies of Indian culture. That is the true immortality of a folk sage-artist.”
Concluding the tribute, the Lokmanthan family offered its “humble tribute at the holy feet of the departed noble soul” and prayed that God grant her a place in His supreme abode. It also prayed for strength for her grieving family, disciples, countless admirers and the entire world of folk art to bear the loss.
The tribute ended with the words: “Heartfelt tributes. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.” It was issued by J. Nandakumar, General Secretary, Lokmanthan, and All India Convener of Pragya Pravah.
