Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai meets Speaker Raman Singh, participates in Business Advisory Committee meeting and leads House in mourning the demise of Padma Vibhushan awardee
TFP Raipur, July 13,2026: The monsoon session of the Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly commenced on Monday with key procedural meetings and an emotional tribute to legendary Pandvani exponent and Padma Vibhushan awardee Teejan Bai, whose passing was mourned across party lines.
Before the proceedings began, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai paid a courtesy visit to Assembly Speaker Raman Singh and greeted him by presenting a bouquet.
Later, the Business Advisory Committee met in the Assembly committee room under the chairmanship of Speaker Raman Singh to discuss the agenda and conduct of the monsoon session. The meeting was attended by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Leader of the Opposition Charandas Mahant, Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap, Agriculture Minister Ramvichar Netam, Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary and other members of the committee.
During the Assembly proceedings, the House observed an obituary reference in memory of Teejan Bai. Paying heartfelt tributes, Chief Minister Sai described her as a priceless gem of Chhattisgarh’s folk culture whose demise marked an irreparable loss to the world of art and culture.
The Chief Minister said Teejan Bai elevated the Kapalik style of Pandvani to global prominence through her extraordinary performances, blending powerful storytelling, music and acting. Her distinctive voice, expressive stage presence and portrayal of characters earned her recognition across India and abroad, making her one of the foremost ambassadors of Chhattisgarh’s cultural heritage.
Sai said Teejan Bai’s life was a remarkable story of determination, perseverance and dedication. At a time when women rarely performed Pandvani, she broke social barriers to establish herself as one of the country’s most celebrated folk artists and inspired generations of performers.
He recalled that her contribution to Indian folk art was recognised with several prestigious honours, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and, in 2019, the Padma Vibhushan, making her the only personality from Chhattisgarh to receive the nation’s second-highest civilian honour.
The Chief Minister noted that President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Union Ministers had also paid tribute to the legendary artist. He recalled that during his visit to Raipur for the Rajyotsav celebrations, the Prime Minister had personally spoken to Teejan Bai’s family to enquire about her health.
Sai also highlighted that Teejan Bai had been conferred honorary D.Litt. degrees by several universities in recognition of her outstanding contribution to preserving and promoting Indian folk music and culture. He said her legacy would continue to inspire future generations to cherish and uphold the country’s rich cultural traditions.
On behalf of the House, the Chief Minister offered his condolences and prayed for eternal peace for the departed soul while extending sympathies to her family, admirers and the artistic community.
