In a moment of pride for Assam and the entire Northeast, veteran folk artist Shri Joynacharan Bathari has been awarded the Padma Shri 2025 for his invaluable contribution to the preservation and promotion of Dimasa tribal music, dance, and storytelling traditions.
Shri Bathari has spent over six decades working to safeguard the cultural identity of the Dimasa tribe, one of the oldest indigenous communities in the region.
Shri Bathari is known as the “Joy of Dimasa” for his unmatched expertise in traditional Dimasa music and dance forms such as:
- Baidima
- Jaobani
- Jaopinbani
He is a master of instruments like the Khram (tribal drum) and Muri (bamboo flute), and has represented Assam’s tribal heritage at All India Radio stations, national festivals, and cultural forums across India.
He has also published traditional Dimasa folktales such as:
- The Monkey and the Tortoise
- The Tale of an Elderly Dimasa Couple
Shri Bathari received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, bringing visibility and recognition to the Dimasa community’s rich legacy. Following the ceremony, his hometown of Maibang celebrated the honour with a special felicitation event.
“This award is not just for me—it belongs to every elder, every storyteller, and every child who carries our traditions forward,” Shri Bathari humbly said.
- Cultural Preservation: He has kept alive oral traditions, music, and rituals that were at risk of being forgotten.
- Community Leadership: Even post-retirement, he served as Mouzadar, Gaon Bura (village elder), and priest, actively guiding youth in cultural practices.
- Inspiration for Generations: His dedication encourages tribal youth to embrace and celebrate their roots.
Shri Joynacharan Bathari’s Padma Shri is a recognition of Assam’s deep tribal heritage and a celebration of one man’s life-long devotion to culture, tradition, and identity.
