Renowned folk artist Shri Kaluram Bamaniya from Madhya Pradesh has been conferred the prestigious Padma Shri in the field of Art, recognizing his tireless efforts to preserve and promote the region’s rich folk and tribal art traditions.
Kaluram Bamaniya is a celebrated name in the world of folk music and storytelling, especially for his work in Bhili and Malwi traditions. His performances, deeply rooted in local dialects and customs, have carried forward centuries-old traditions, touching on themes of spirituality, social harmony, and rural life.
With a powerful voice and poetic command, Bamaniya has enthralled audiences across India, bringing the cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh’s tribal communities into national consciousness.
For decades, Shri Bamaniya has worked to ensure that folk songs and oral storytelling traditions survive in the face of modernization. He has mentored young artists, participated in cultural festivals, and published compilations of traditional lyrics and songs to safeguard the legacy of his people.
His contributions go beyond performance — they are acts of cultural conservation, ensuring that the music, values, and wisdom of rural India live on.
The Padma Shri bestowed upon Shri Kaluram Bamaniya is a powerful recognition of the beauty and depth of India’s folk arts, and of one man’s commitment to keeping them alive.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him, saying:
“Shri Kaluram Bamaniya has preserved the soul of India’s folk heritage. His Padma Shri is a celebration of the music of our roots.”
