Alwar, Jan 26 (NationPress) The announcement of the esteemed Padma Shri award for the celebrated Bhapang artist Gafruddin Mewati Jogi from Alwar has sparked immense joy within his family and the local community.

Following the government's declaration of the Padma Awards on the eve of Republic Day, a flood of congratulatory messages and visitors began arriving at his home, continuing well into the night.

Originally hailing from Kaithwada village in Bharatpur district, which is now part of Deeg, Gafruddin relocated to Alwar in 1978.

He expressed that he never envisioned receiving such a prestigious recognition as the Padma Shri.

While he has been previously acknowledged by the Prime Minister, the President, the Rajasthan government, the Sangeet Natak Akademi, and at the district level, he regarded the Padma Shri as the pinnacle of his achievements.

In a conversation with IANS, he remarked: "It was only after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi administration came into power that I became aware of the Padma Shri. Before that, artists like us seldom received such accolades.'

Gafruddin has dedicated his life to playing the traditional instrument 'Bhapang', inspired by Lord Shiva's damru. The instrument is recognized for its ability to convey verses from the Mahabharata era, Bhartṛhari’s Shatak, as well as devotional and ascetic poetry.

He stands as the last surviving singer of 'Pandun ka Kada', a Mewati tradition that narrates episodes from the Mahabharata through music, recounting the time when the Pandavas resided in Viratnagar, present-day Alwar, during their exile.

Over the years, he has preserved more than 2,800 folk songs and couplets through his bhapang performances, many of which, he states, have been adapted in Bollywood.

His son, Dr Shah Rukh Khan Mewati Jogi, represents the eighth generation of his family to carry on this art form. Shah Rukh has attained a PhD focusing on Mewat culture, and younger family members are also being educated in this tradition.

Reflecting on his early challenges, Gafruddin shared that he began performing alongside his father at the age of four. As a child, he went from door to door in Alwar, collecting wheat flour to make ends meet.

“There was no alternative means to earn a living,” he stated.

His extraordinary talent has garnered international acclaim. Following his first overseas trip in 1992, he has performed in over 60 countries, including England, Australia, Canada, France, and the UAE. He even played bhapang at a birthday celebration for Queen Elizabeth in London.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised his contributions, linking them to the Swachh Bharat Mission. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he employed folk songs and bhapang performances to promote awareness about cleanliness and hygiene.

When the announcement of the Padma Shri was made, Gafruddin was performing at an exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ at Alwar's Information Centre. He received a call from the Union Home Ministry during the event.

“Initially, I thought it was a prank,” he recalled. “But when the announcement was validated, my joy was overwhelming.”

He compared the moment to the satisfaction of daily labor, stating: “It resembles a worker who heads out in the morning and is compensated in the evening. That feeling of fulfillment is what I experience today. Although I have received numerous accolades before, the Padma Shri stands as the greatest achievement of my existence.”

Gafruddin revealed that he first learned about the Padma Shri in 2016 and began the application process. “I have applied consistently for the last three years. Today, I genuinely feel rewarded,” he expressed.

He mentioned that his brother and sons are also actively involved in promoting this art form. He urged the government to assist in establishing a free cultural school dedicated to folk traditions.

“We hope the government will allocate land for us to create a school for folk arts. The younger generation is gradually losing connection with these traditions. We aspire to revive and advance them with full support,” he proclaimed.