Padma Shri for Folk Legend Vishwa Bandhu: Family, Disciples Call It a Proud Moment for Bihar’s Art Heritage
Family members and disciples of legendary folk dancer Vishwa Bandhu have expressed deep happiness and pride after the Central government announced his name for the Padma Shri award posthumously. The honour recognises his lifelong contribution to preserving and promoting Bihar’s traditional dance heritage.
Vishwa Bandhu is among three personalities from Bihar selected for this year’s Padma Awards, reflecting the state’s growing recognition in the fields of art, culture, and public service.
For his family and followers, the announcement has brought both joy and emotion, as they remember a man who devoted his entire life to folk traditions and cultural education.
Family Remembers His Lifelong Dedication
Speaking after the announcement, Bandhu’s youngest daughter, Arpana Kumari, said the family feels honoured by the recognition.
“We are extremely happy that he is receiving the Padma Shri, even though it is posthumous. If he had received it during his lifetime, it would have meant even more to him,” she said.
She recalled that her father began his journey in folk dance at a time when pursuing dance was considered socially challenging, especially for boys.
“He chose art over comfort. He dedicated every day of his life to learning, performing, and teaching. This award fulfils a dream he carried in his heart for years,” she added.
Family members said Bandhu always believed that traditional art deserved respect and institutional support, and he worked tirelessly to bring folk dance into mainstream platforms.
Disciples Celebrate Their Guru’s Achievement
For his students, the Padma Shri feels like personal recognition of years of learning and struggle.
Jitendra Kumar Chaurasia, one of his senior disciples, said the honour has fulfilled a long-standing wish.
“This feels like our own achievement. It is a victory for Bihar’s folk culture. Guruji always believed that art must evolve without losing its roots, and he showed us how to do that,” Chaurasia said.
He explained that Vishwa Bandhu introduced innovation into traditional dance forms by blending creativity, storytelling, and stage presentation.
“He gave folk dance a modern appeal while keeping its soul intact. That is why people from all backgrounds connected with his performances,” he added.
A Pioneer of Bihar’s Folk Dance Movement
Vishwa Bandhu was regarded as one of the most influential figures in Bihar’s folk dance tradition. Over his career, he is believed to have performed more than 6,000 shows across India and abroad, representing the cultural richness of the state.
Apart from performing, he focused strongly on education and community outreach. He regularly organised free training programmes in rural areas, especially for underprivileged children and young artists.
Through these initiatives, he helped hundreds of students find confidence, discipline, and career opportunities in the arts.
Cultural experts say his work played a major role in preventing several traditional dance forms from fading away.
“Without his efforts, many of these traditions would have remained limited to small villages. He brought them to national and international stages,” a senior cultural official said.
Other Padma Awardees from Bihar
Along with Vishwa Bandhu, two other distinguished personalities from Bihar have been selected for the Padma Awards this year.
Agriculture scientist Gopalji Trivedi has been recognised for his contribution to agricultural research and rural development. Bhojpuri folk singer Bharat Singh Bharti has been honoured for preserving and popularising regional music.
Together, the three awardees represent Bihar’s diverse contributions to science, music, and performing arts.
Our Thoughts
The posthumous Padma Shri for Vishwa Bandhu is more than an individual honour. It is recognition of Bihar’s rich folk heritage and the countless artists who work quietly to keep traditions alive.
His journey shows how dedication, creativity, and social commitment can transform regional art into a national treasure. For future generations, his life remains a powerful reminder that cultural roots and innovation can walk hand in hand.