“Honouring Shri Ramlal Bareth is honouring the Raigarh Gharana”: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo shared the stories of Raigarh, especially the stories of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh, and remembered his contribution to the nation
Maharaja Chakradhar Singh recognised the innate talent of Shri Ramlal Bareth when he was 4 years old
Raigarh Gharana gains immense recognition nationwide through Shri Ramlal Bareth
Shri Ramlal Bareth practices Kathak even at the age of 88
Former President Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma and President APJ Kalam have also honoured Shri Ramlal Bareth
Shri Bareth had a strong connection with eminent Kathak artists nationwide and particularly shared a close bond with Pandit Birju Maharaj
Raipur, 28 January 2024//
Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai met renowned Kathak dancer Shri Ramlal Bareth, who is associated with Raigarh Gharana, at the State Guest House Pahuna on Sunday. Chief Minister Shri Sai invited Shri Bareth to commend his contribution and honour him for elevating Chhattisgarh’s cultural pride. Maharaja Chakradhar Singh recognised the innate talent of Shri Ramlal Bareth when he was 4 years old. He assured Shri Ramlal Bareth’s father, Shri Kirtanram, who was also associated with the Kathak art form, that he would train Shri Bareth under his supervision. Shri Bareth underwent training supervised by Maharaja Chakradhar Singh and other acclaimed artists nationwide. Shri Ramlal Bareth fulfilled the trust Maharaja Chakradhar Singh placed in him. He elevated Raigarh Gharana to new heights and received accolades from the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award to the prestigious Padmashree Award.
Shri Sai stated,” Shri Ramlal Bareth made Chhattisgarh proud of the country through his artistic talent. I have heard stories associated with Raigarh, especially the stories of Maharaja Chakradhar Singh’s musical prowess. I have also heard that the melodies of Tabla played by Maharaj ji had the power to control nature, even invoking the rain in that area”. Chief Minister acknowledged the honour of having a Kathak maestro, Shri Bareth, who learned under such a distinguished artist.
Shri Bareth is now 88 years old. He shared about his old days of financial hardships, which intensified after Maharaja Chakradhar Singh departed from Raigarh state. He further shared that Kathak dance needs a skilled accompanist. Through perseverance, he overcame the obstacles and ensured the continued prestige of the Raigarh Gharana in the realm of Kathak.
Shri Bareth had a strong connection with eminent Kathak artists nationwide and particularly shared a close bond with Pandit Birju Maharaj. Pandit Birju Maharaj was also born in Raigarh. The Raigarh was the nurturing ground for Bareth’s Kathak journey; he enriched himself through the lessons of luminaries like Achchan Maharaj and started his remarkable journey of exploration of the Kathak art form.
Shri Bareth highlighted the past significance of classical music and dance in films. Notably, Ustad Amir Khan Saheb had a close connection with the Raigarh Gharana, while actress and singer Sulakshana Pandit’s father was also associated with the Raigarh Gharana.
Shri Bareth is passing on the Kathak legacy to the next generation and shared that his grandfather and father were also associated with the Kathak art form. Now, his sons are also actively involved in the Kathak art form.
Expressing joy, Shri Bareth revealed his happiness at being chosen for the Padmashree award by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He stated,” Today, the Chief Minister honoured me at Pahuna, and I have a desire that Kathak may gain prominence in the nation through the Raigarh Gharana.”
