The Chhattisgarh Legislative Assembly on Monday commenced its five-day monsoon session by paying heartfelt tributes to legendary Pandavani exponent and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Teejan Bai, who recently passed away. Assembly Speaker Dr Raman Singh, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Leader of the Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant, Culture Minister Rajesh Agrawal, former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kedar Kashyap led the obituary references in the House and expressed profound grief over her demise. During the reference, Chief Minister Sai described Teejan Bai’s passing as an ‘irreparable loss’ to the State’s cultural heritage. He said she had elevated the Kapalik style of Pandvani singing to unprecedented heights and, through her extraordinary talent, brought national and international recognition to Chhattisgarh’s folk traditions.

 

Sai lauded her vivid character portrayals, powerful oratory and captivating stage presence that enthralled audiences across the world. Sai also highlighted Teejan Bai’s journey of struggle and perseverance, noting that she emerged as a trailblazer at a time when women’s participation in Pandvani was limited. “Defying deep-rooted social conventions, she carved out a distinct identity and became an enduring inspiration for future generations,” he said. Leader of the Opposition Dr Charan Das Mahant observed that this was the first time the Chhattisgarh Assembly had recorded obituary references for a Padma awardee. “The passing of Dr Teejan Bai is an irreparable loss for us all. I pay tribute on behalf of my legislative party,” he said. Several MLAs, including Kunwar Singh Nishad, Rikesh Sen, Domanlal Korsewada, Anila Bhendiya, Kiran Singh Deo and Anuj Sharma, also paid tributes. The House observed a two-minute silence in her memory. After the tributes, Speaker Dr Raman Singh adjourned the House for five minutes.