Teejan Bai, one of the country’s most celebrated Pandavani folk artists, is currently facing immense financial hardship. She is a living example of how many folk artists, despite being gifted with extraordinary talent and achieving great success, are forced to face difficult times. At 78 years old, Teejan Bai has been honored with three prestigious Padma awards for her artistry, yet she now struggles to receive her pension. Following the tragic death of her younger son in 2023, she was severely impacted by paralysis, which has left her bedridden and dependent on her children for care.
For the past eight months, her children have been tirelessly seeking her overdue pension. In Chhattisgarh, renowned artists are entitled to a monthly pension of Rs. 2,000 and medical assistance ranging from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000, provided by the state’s cultural department. However, Teejan Bai’s family is still awaiting the disbursement of these funds.
There was a time when Teejan Bai was honored with prestigious awards both nationally and internationally. She was even awarded Japan’s highest distinction, the Fukuoka Arts and Culture Prize. Those who have witnessed her perform on stage now long to hear her captivating voice once again.
In Japan, Teejan Bai was always introduced with the title ‘Doctor’, a recognition of the honorary doctorates bestowed upon her by several Indian universities. Despite having no formal education, the only thing she ever learned to write was her name in the Devanagari script. She has this proudly inked on her arm, alongside other traditional godna tattoos.
In India, she has been awarded the Padma Shri in 1987, and Padma Bhushan in 2003 besides 1995 Sangeet Natak academy award in 1995.
In light of her suffering, senior Congress leader and former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Bhupesh Baghel, has urged the state government to provide support to the Padma Vibhushan awardee. Durga Collector Richa Chaudhary mentioned that her pension for September has been credited to her account, though technical issues are still being addressed.
Married at the age of 12, Teejan Bai was expelled from her community for singing Pandavani—an art form traditionally not performed by women. Undeterred, she built herself a small hut and began living alone, borrowing utensils and food from neighbors. Despite her hardships, she never stopped singing, a decision that ultimately changed her life. She also never returned to her first husband’s home.
At the age of 13, Teejan gave her first public performance in the neighboring village of Chandrakhuri for a fee of ₹10. She broke traditions by performing Pandavani in the Kapalik shaili (the standing style)—a style previously reserved for men—while women artists were expected to sing in Vedamati (the sitting style).
Teejan Bai had also worked as an S11 employee at Bhilai Steel Plant, receiving a pension until 2021. After her condition came to light, EPFO officials took steps to resolve the technical glitches, and she is now entitled to a pension of Rs. 1.36 lakh from BSP. Unfortunately, Teejan Bai is not the only artist going through such hardships. Across Chhattisgarh and the rest of the country, there are many artists who, despite achieving great success, today depend on pensions or continue to struggle for their livelihoods.
