Don’t Portray Teejan Bai as “Helpless”: A Disrespect to the Pandavani Guru at Her Age

Words Md Zakir Hussain

Teejan Bai, the legendary Pandavani maestro and Padma Vibhushan awardee, has been an irreplaceable treasure of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage. However, she has now stopped speaking due to a stroke she suffered two years ago. Confined to her bed, she communicates only through gestures. Remarkably, she still manages to sit up when a camera appears, but her annoyance is evident when it’s turned off.

Despite her worldwide fame and contribution to Pandavani, it is deeply saddening to see her current state. Yet, what is even more disheartening is how she is being portrayed as “helpless” these days. Whenever journalists visit her village, Ganiyari, her family seems to present a picture of financial struggle, suggesting that Teejan Bai is in dire need of money.

Is Teejan Bai Truly in Financial Need?

Yes, there might be delays or issues with her government pension and assistance. But let’s assess this objectively. Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) has provided medical support, with a team visiting her home for check-ups and supplying all medications. Additionally, physiotherapists and doctors sent by the Chhattisgarh government are attending to her regularly. Given this, can we genuinely say that Teejan Bai needs money?

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The reality is that her family, which has thrived on her fame and earnings, is now portraying themselves as “unemployed” and financially dependent. This “cry for money” by her family is more of a reflection of their unwillingness to sustain themselves than of Teejan Bai’s actual needs.

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Teejan Bai’s Contributions and Family’s Role

Throughout her life, Teejan Bai supported her entire extended family of around 35-36 members. They lived a life of comfort, all thanks to her earnings. But now, with her inability to perform and earn as before, her family appears to be struggling financially. Unfortunately, none of her family members have stepped up to carry forward her Pandavani legacy. Even her longtime secretary, who stood by her side for years, has now left her.

Teejan Bai’s Glorious Career

For those unaware, Teejan Bai retired as a senior coordinator of folk arts (Grade S-10) from BSP in August 2017. The S-10 grade signifies a high-ranking position, nearly equivalent to an officer’s level. Employees retiring from this grade receive substantial retirement benefits. While wage revisions had not taken place at the time of her retirement, she still received a significant sum.

According to BSP officials, during her service, Teejan Bai’s family had taken several non-refundable loans under her name, which reduced her final retirement amount. Yet, she never lived in deprivation. Her properties in Ganiyari and Belodi village near Jevra Sirsa stand as witnesses to her prosperous life.

Teejan Bai’s success through Pandavani is an example of how fortune can favor talent. She achieved the highest accolades without lobbying for them. Her Padma Shri award came at the recommendation of then Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Motilal Vora. Later, her Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan honors were also bestowed effortlessly, with the government recognizing her immense contributions to the art form.

Medical Care and Current Situation

Being a BSP retiree, Teejan Bai continues to receive medical treatment through BSP. She regularly visited the Sector-9 hospital and even received home visits from BSP’s medical staff. Two years ago, BSP’s Director-in-Charge Anirban Dasgupta personally visited her and instructed his medical team to ensure her treatment. Since then, BSP has sent ambulances, doctors, and staff to her residence for regular check-ups and medication.

At the age of 78 (or possibly older, as there are no official birth records), Teejan Bai’s health challenges are inevitable. Her family reveals that she was retired by BSP in 2016 at the recorded age of 60, although her actual age was understated during her recruitment.

Today, she lives in Ganiyari with the care of her sister Rambha and her sister-in-law, as most of her family resides in Belodi. Despite losing two sons and a daughter, she remains resilient.

Respecting Teejan Bai’s Legacy

Some cultural enthusiasts are discussing raising funds for Teejan Bai through WhatsApp groups. While their sentiments are admirable, we must consider the implications of this act. Any financial help provided will likely benefit her extended family, not Teejan Bai directly.

Portraying Teejan Bai as “helpless” is an insult to her remarkable legacy. Let us instead focus on celebrating her contributions to art and culture while ensuring her dignity is preserved in her final years. Her life’s work deserves admiration, not pity.

About the Author

Md Zakir Hussain: The author is a senior journalist from Chhattisgarh, based in Bhilai.

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