New Delhi/Jaipur:
In a prestigious ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu conferred the 2026 Padma Awards upon various distinguished individuals from across the nation. This year, three notable personalities from Rajasthan were honored with the ‘Padma Shri,’ the country’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of their exemplary contributions to art, folk culture, and social service.
Rajasthan’s Pride: The Padma Shri Awardees
1. Shri Gafuruddin Mevati Jogi (Art – Folk Music)
Hailing from Deeg district, Shri Gafuruddin Mevati Jogi received the Padma Shri for his outstanding efforts in preserving and popularizing Mevati folk music and the traditional ‘Bhapang’ instrument on the global stage.
- Expertise: Beyond the Bhapang, he is a master of approximately 12 traditional folk instruments, including the Algoza, Chikara, and Jogi Sarangi.
- Global Recognition: He has represented India on international stages in London, Paris, and Canada. He is also a recipient of the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award.
2. Shri Tagaram Bhil (Art – Folk Culture)
Jaisalmer resident Shri Tagaram Bhil was honored with the Padma Shri for his dedication to tribal folk culture and his mastery of the ‘Algoza’ (a traditional flute).
- Artistic Journey: For over three decades, he has been a torchbearer of tribal folk music traditions. Remarkably, he is also an expert artisan who crafts his own traditional instruments.
- International Presence: Through his performances and workshops in countries like France, the USA, Japan, and Russia, he has brought global acclaim to Rajasthan’s tribal heritage.
3. Swami Brahmadev Ji Maharaj (Social Service)
Shri Ganganagar’s Swami Brahmadev Ji Maharaj was awarded the Padma Shri for his selfless contributions to education and healthcare.
- Institutional Impact: He founded the ‘Shri Jagdamba Andh Vidyalaya,’ which provides free education, housing, and care to visually and hearing-impaired children.
- Healthcare Service: His establishment, the ‘Shri Jagdamba Charitable Eye Hospital,’ has been providing free eye examinations and medical treatments to the underprivileged for over two decades.
Celebrations Across Rajasthan
The state of Rajasthan is celebrating the recognition of these three personalities. Their commitment to preserving cultural heritage and serving society continues to be a source of inspiration for the entire nation.
Disclaimer: This news report is based on official press releases and inputs from the Department of Information and Public Relations. For the complete list of Padma Awardees and further details, please visit the official Padma Awards portal of the Government of India (padmaawards.gov.in).
