Raipur, Nov 1 (NationPress) During a vibrant, day-long engagement in Chhattisgarh to celebrate the state’s 25th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a moment to express his concern for two prominent cultural figures of the region: Padma Vibhushan folk artist Teejan Bai and Jnanpith Award-winning writer Vinod Kumar Shukla.

This thoughtful outreach, communicated through official channels, highlights Modi's profound respect for the artistic legacy of the state, coinciding with the launch of development initiatives exceeding Rs 14,260 crore.

The Prime Minister’s inquiry came in light of recent health challenges faced by both individuals. Teejan Bai, aged 73, an internationally acclaimed “Pandwani Singer” known as the “Panditani of Raut Nacha,” was hospitalized at AIIMS Raipur on Monday following orders from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.

Last year, media reports indicated that she was bedridden due to the loss of her two sons and was struggling financially. Her family reported delays in pension payments, which hindered her access to necessary medical treatments.

In response, the Durg district administration and local leaders mobilized to provide immediate financial aid and rectify banking issues to expedite her pension. The government also provided Rs 5 lakh in support and arranged for specialized home-care equipment, including a motorized remote-controlled bed, bed-table, and wheelchair, to facilitate her day-to-day activities.

Vinod Kumar Shukla, 90, the author of acclaimed works like “Naagraj,” has faced severe respiratory issues and has been in the ICU of MMI Narayana Multispeciality Hospital since Monday evening.

Recently, he garnered attention after receiving a Rs 30 lakh royalty cheque, a rare financial boon for the reclusive writer. His health concerns began after he fell at his home in Rajnandgaon, injuring his nasal bone and requiring surgery. After being discharged, he experienced escalating breathing difficulties, resulting in his current critical condition.

PM Modi’s inquiry, relayed through the Chief Minister’s Office, conveyed wishes for their speedy recovery and acknowledged their lasting contributions to India’s literary and artistic landscape.

Among the highlights of his visit was an interaction with 2,500 children who had been treated for congenital heart defects under the ‘Dil Ki Baat’ initiative at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital, Nava Raipur.

Additionally, he is set to inaugurate the Brahma Kumaris’ “Shanti Shikhar” spiritual center, unveil a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and lay foundation stones for highways such as NH-130D, power substations, and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum.

As Chhattisgarh celebrates its silver jubilee, PM Modi's compassionate outreach towards its ailing artists brought a human touch to the developmental celebrations, emphasizing the need for progress to honor cultural roots.