Raipur । Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday attended the prayer meeting – Dashgatra of world-renowned Pandavani exponent Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan late Dr Teejan Bai at her native village Ganiyari in Durg district, where he announced a series of measures to preserve her legacy. 

The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to her portrait, expressed condolences to her bereaved family and met her son Shri Dilharan Pardhi and other family members.

Announcing initiatives in her memory, the Chief Minister said the state government will institute the 'Dr Teejan Bai Lok Kala Alankaran', to be conferred annually during the Rajyotsava on artists for outstanding contributions to folk art. He also announced that the Government Higher Secondary School in Ganiyari will be renamed after late Dr Teejan Bai so that students can draw inspiration from her life and achievements.

Shri Sai said the state government would permanently preserve the memories of the legendary folk artiste by keeping her Tambura, the symbol of her lifelong artistic journey, in the museum at Raipur with due honour, enabling future generations to connect with her invaluable cultural legacy.

Describing late Dr Teejan Bai as a cultural icon of not just Chhattisgarh but the entire country, Shri Sai said she took the state's folk tradition to the global stage through her exceptional talent, lifelong dedication and the Kapalik style of Pandavani. He said her contribution to folk art and culture would continue to inspire future generations.

The prayer meeting was also addressed by MP Shri Vijay Baghel, Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, and MLA Padma Shri Shri Anuj Sharma, who paid tribute to late Dr Teejan Bai and recalled her unparalleled contribution to folk art. Those present observed a two-minute silence in her memory.

Among those present were Padma Shri Shri R.S. Barle, School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav, MLA Shri Doman Lal Korsewada, Chhattisgarh Film Development Corporation chairperson Ms Mona Sen, artists from across the state, local panchayat representatives and a large number of citizens.