APRIL 9: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Padma Shri Ramsahay Pandey, the renowned folk artist from Bundelkhand, whose contributions to the world of Indian traditional art were immense. In a heartfelt tribute shared through social media, the Prime Minister praised the late artist’s extraordinary dedication to the folk art form of Bundelkhand, particularly his contributions to the folk dance, Rai.
In his post, Prime Minister Modi said, “I am deeply saddened by the demise of renowned folk artist Padmashree Ramsahay Pandey ji. With his amazing art, dedication, and hard work, he brought international fame to Bundelkhand’s folk dance Rai. His demise is an irreparable loss for the art world of the country. May God give strength to his family and fans in this hour of grief. Om Shanti!”
Ramsahay Pandey was a stalwart in the world of folk art, known for his exceptional talent in performing and promoting the traditional dance form Rai, which is deeply rooted in the culture of Bundelkhand, an area that spans across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Rai dance, characterized by its rhythm, grace, and expressive movements, gained national recognition largely due to Pandey’s tireless efforts in preserving and propagating the form.
Throughout his illustrious career, Pandey not only performed at various national and international platforms but also dedicated his life to teaching and inspiring younger generations to embrace and carry forward the rich traditions of Bundelkhand’s folk arts. His work left an indelible mark on India’s cultural heritage, and his loss is felt deeply across the country, particularly in the folk art community.
The Padma Shri award, one of India’s highest civilian honors, was conferred upon Ramsahay Pandey for his exceptional contribution to Indian folk arts, recognizing his relentless dedication to preserving and promoting traditional music and dance forms.
The Prime Minister’s heartfelt condolences to the late artist’s family, friends, and fans reflect the deep impact Pandey had on the cultural fabric of India. In his tribute, PM Modi acknowledged that Pandey’s death is not just a personal loss for his family but also a significant loss to the Indian art community, which will miss his contributions to the preservation and promotion of traditional folk art.
As the country mourns the passing of this legendary artist, the Prime Minister’s words serve as a reminder of the vital role that folk artists like Ramsahay Pandey play in shaping and preserving the diverse cultural heritage of India.