Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Chhattisgarh for the state’s 25th Foundation Day, opening a new cultural centre and a heritage park. While touring the celebrations, he paused to call the near‑retired folk star Teejan Bai, the Padma Vibhushan‑winning Pandwani singer who has made Chhattisgarh’s folk stories famous across the world.
Teejan Bai, 73, has struggled with health problems lately. Her daughter‑in‑law, Venu Deshmukh, told reporters that the PM wanted to meet her but it was not possible earlier. “Today the Prime Minister sounds on the phone to ask about her well‑being and says he can help if he can,” she said. The call lasted about a minute and 18 seconds and the family said it felt very emotional and caring.
During the conversation, Modi asked how Teejan Bai was doing and promised that the government would support her and her household. Venu explained that the singer is not able to swallow solid food and is only having soup to stay nourished, which deeply touched the PM. The call also prompted Governor‑level officials – Durg District Collector Abhishek Singh and the SDM – to visit Teejan Bai’s home in Ganiyari to check her condition. While there, the family asked for a government job for one of their relatives to ease their financial difficulties.
Teejan Bai is famous for her powerful Pandwani performances and has earned international praise. She also faced painful personal losses, losing both of her sons, and has struggled to get her pension on time. The Chhattisgarh government has already given her ₹5 lakh in assistance and sent home‑care gear such as a motorised bed, a wheeled bed‑table and a wheelchair to help her daily life.
Prime Minister Modi’s call shows that the central government still values India’s cultural icons. By giving extra support to Teejan Bai during a major state celebration, the administration underlines its commitment to protect and celebrate heritage artists while also keeping a close eye on their well‑being.
Source: ianslive
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