Renowned Panthi dancer Dr Radhe Shyam Barle of Patan Bhilai has been selected for the Padma Shri award, the 4th highest civilian award by the Government of India for his distinguished contribution in the field of art. According to information received, this year the President of India has approved conferring of 102 Padma Shri Awards. These awards are conferred by the President at ceremonial functions which are held at Rashtrapati Bhawan usually around March/ April every year. Radheshyam Barle has been associated with Panthi dance since childhood and received several awards and accolades for his contribution to Panthi dance.

 

During his artistic journey Barle has given training in Panthi dance to artists from America and Moscow and other parts of the world making them accustomed with the culture of Chhattisgarh. His artistic life started as a child and he acted in many plays playing the woman character. Barle has the distinction to present the Panthi dance before four presidents of India. Barle is a regular artist in Doordarshan and Akashwani and has also participated in many mahotsava in the state and the country like Bhoramdev, Sirpur, Khajuraho and in many places. Even in the naxal infested areas his services as an artist was used to connect the youths to the mainstream of society.

 

Extending his greetings to Dr Radhe Shyam Barle for the award, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that Dr Barle has made Chhattisgarh as well as the country proud by his contribution to the Panthi dance and Chhattisgarh art and culture. Through Panthi dance, the noted folk artist has made his invaluable contribution in propagating and spreading the messages of Baba Guru Ghasidas across the country and in the world, said CM Baghel, elaborating that the selection of Dr Barle is a tribute to Baba Guru Ghasidas. Dr Barle was born on 9 October 1966 at village Khola of Patan tehsil in Durg district of Chhattisgarh. He has done MBBS and also completed a diploma in folk music from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya.