Alwar, Rajasthan – Celebrated Bhapang player Gafuruddin Mewati Jogi from Alwar has been awarded the prestigious Padma Shri, bringing immense joy to his family and local community. The announcement came on the eve of Republic Day as part of the Indian government’s Padma awards, sparking congratulations at his home late into the night.
Originally from Kaithwara village in Bharatpur district (now in Deeg district), Gafuruddin Mewati Jogi settled in Alwar in 1978. He had never imagined receiving such a distinguished honour. Over his 38 years of dedication to the art, he has been recognised by the Prime Minister, President, Rajasthan Government, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and at district levels, but the Padma Shri is his greatest honour yet.
Speaking about the award, he said, “It was only after the Modi government came that I realised the significance of the Padma Shri. Earlier, artists like us did not receive such recognition.”
Gafuruddin has been mastering the traditional folk instrument ‘bhapang’, inspired by Lord Shiva’s damru, which is known for singing ancient dohas (couplets) from Bharat-era texts like Bhartṛhari Shatak and Vairagya. He is the only living singer of ‘Pandun ka Kada’—a Mevati folk rendition narrating the Pandavas’ exile in Viratnagar (Alwar region) accompanied by the bhapang.
He has preserved over 2,800 folk songs and dohas on the bhapang, many of which have influenced Bollywood music.
His son, Dr. Shahrukh Khan Mewati Jogi, represents the eighth generation of bhapang players and holds a PhD on Mevat culture. The younger members of the family are also involved in this art form.
Gafuruddin shared that he started playing the bhapang with his father at the age of four. In Alwar’s lanes, they would collect flour from houses to make bread and sustain their livelihood. “There was no other way to earn a living,” he said.
His artistry has earned international acclaim, performing in over 60 countries including England, Australia, Canada, Paris, and Dubai since his first overseas trip in 1992. He even played at Queen Elizabeth’s birthday celebrations in London. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised his work and linked it to the Swachh Bharat mission, with Gafuruddin singing folk songs promoting cleanliness during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the time of the Padma Shri announcement, Gafuruddin was performing the bhapang at an exhibition marking the 150th anniversary of ‘Vande Mataram’ at Alwar’s information centre. A call from the Home Ministry initially seemed like a joke, but the official confirmation brought overwhelming happiness.
He reflected, “This award feels like a labourer who works all day and finally receives his wages in the evening. The joy of receiving the Padma Shri is like that. Though I have received many honours before, this is the greatest success.”
He added that he was unaware of the Padma Shri until 2016 and has been applying for it for the past three years. “Today, I am beyond happy.”
Gafuruddin also highlighted that his brother and son are engaged in this art and perform regularly. He expressed hope that the government will provide land free of cost to establish a school dedicated to folk arts, aiming to revive and preserve these traditions for future generations, as the youth today have little connection with this heritage.