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Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday reached out to the families of two of Chhattisgarh’s most respected cultural figures, Padma Vibhushan Teejan Bai and Padma Bhushan Vinod Kumar Shukla, to inquire about their health and well-being. This coincided with Chhattisgarh’s 25th foundation day, reflecting the Prime Minister’s continued connection with the state’s artists and writers. Teejan Bai, an acclaimed exponent of the Pandvani folk art form, has long been a symbol of Chhattisgarh’s rich storytelling tradition. Known for her powerful recitations of tales from the Mahabharata, she has been honoured with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for her contribution to Indian art and culture. However, in recent months, Teejan Bai’s health has deteriorated significantly. She is reportedly battling paralysis and diabetes, leaving her bedridden and in need of continuous care. The Prime Minister’s call to her family was seen as an expression of empathy and recognition of her enduring legacy. The Chhattisgarh government has announced financial and medical support for the 67-year-old artist. A sum of Rs 5 lakh has been sanctioned for her treatment, and a dedicated medical team, including a doctor and a physiotherapist, has been deployed to monitor her health at her home in Ganiyari village, Durg district. Health Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal personally visited her residence to ensure all arrangements were in place and assured her family of continued government assistance. Her family had earlier reported delays in receiving her pension, but authorities have now expedited the process to ease her medical expenses. PM also reaches out to writer Vinod Kumar Shukla Alongside Teejan Bai, Prime Minister Modi also spoke with Padma Bhushan awardee Vinod Kumar Shukla, one of India’s most revered contemporary writers. Shukla, known for his poetic novels and deeply reflective prose, has been a literary figure who captured the soul of small-town India through works like Naukar Ki Kameez and Deewar Mein Ek Khidki Rehti Thi.
