Padma Shri Gokul Chandra Das - A Champion Against Gender Bias in Dhak Beats
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Synopsis
Gokul Chandra Das, a celebrated figure in Bengal, has transformed the traditional Dhak beats into a global phenomenon while championing women's empowerment in this male-dominated art. His dedication has led to the training of countless women, marking a significant shift in the cultural landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Gokul Chandra Das is a renowned figure in Bengal’s music scene.
- He has trained around 200 women in Dhak beats.
- Das aims to establish a Dhak Beat Academy.
- He received the Padma Shri award for his contributions.
- His work promotes gender equality in traditional music.
Kolkata, Jan 26 (NationPress) Bengal’s legendary Gokul Chandra Das, who elevated the traditional Dhak beats to a global platform, is celebrated not only for his impressive accomplishments but also for dismantling gender bias in the realm of Dhak music.
Throughout his remarkable journey, Das, one of the esteemed Padma Shri awardees this year, has mentored approximately 200 women, guiding them to pursue Dhak beats as a viable career. Even after receiving the Padma Shri honor, he remains humble, viewing the accolade as a tribute to Bengal’s rich musical heritage, which is pivotal during various religious festivals in the state.
Upon his announcement as a Padma Shri laureate, he shared a heartfelt video expressing gratitude to the Union government for recognizing an “ordinary drummer” like him with such a prestigious award.
“It’s astonishing that a simple drummer from rural Bengal is being celebrated by the Indian government. I am genuinely thrilled,” Das expressed in the video.
In addition to his performances across numerous countries, Das embarked on a mission 15 years ago to introduce women into the art of Dhak beats, which had been predominantly male-oriented. His initiative began with training just five enthusiastic women eager to embrace Dhak beats as an alternative career path. Today, after 15 years, around 200 women from Bengal have successfully taken up this profession with Das’s guidance.
His future ambition includes establishing a “Dhak Beat Academy” to systematically train more individuals, regardless of gender, in this art form.
State BJP president and Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar extended his congratulations to Das for his achievements and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for honoring him with the Padma Shri award.
“Congratulations to Gokul Chandra Das for receiving the esteemed Padma Shri award! A sincere thanks to PM Shri Narendra Modi for acknowledging his significant contributions to Dhak art and his endeavors to empower women and challenge stereotypes. Gokul Chandra Das has transformed traditions by creating avenues for women in a male-centric field, designing a lightweight Dhak, and representing India on a global scale. His commitment to overcoming caste-related barriers and promoting Dhak's artistic legacy is genuinely inspiring,” Majumdar noted on his official X handle.
