Ram Sahay Pandey Folk Dancer Passed Away

Padma Shri Ram Sahay Pandey, a legendary figure in Indian folk culture, passed away at the age of 92, leaving behind a transformative legacy in the field of traditional dance. Revered as the foremost exponent of Rai folk dance, Pandey dedicated his entire life to elevating a once-stigmatized art form into a celebrated symbol of cultural pride. Despite facing poverty, orphanhood, and caste-based taboos, his indomitable spirit led him to challenge societal norms and take Rai dance from the heart of Bundelkhand to international platforms. His passing marks the end of an era, but his influence endures in every step of the Rai tradition he revived and redefined.

Ram Sahay Pandey’s Life and Contribution

Demise and Final Rites

• Passed away at the age of 92 after prolonged illness.
• Died in a private hospital in Sagar, Madhya Pradesh.
• Final rites to be performed in Kanera Dev village.

Tribute from Leadership

• Chief Minister Mohan Yadav paid tribute on social media.
• Recognized Pandey’s efforts in elevating Rai dance to global recognition.
• Called his death an irreplaceable loss to Madhya Pradesh and Indian art.

Early Life and Background

• Born on March 11, 1933, in Maddhar Patha village, Sagar district, MP.
• Belonged to a farming Brahmin family; youngest of four siblings.
• Lost both parents at a young age and grew up facing economic hardships.

Discovery of Rai Dance

• At age 14, encountered Rai dance at a local fair and fell in love with it.
• Decided to dedicate his life to preserving and performing the dance.

Breaking Social Barriers

• Rai dance was traditionally performed by the Bedia community, a marginalized group once labeled under the Criminal Tribes Act.
• Faced societal backlash for practicing Rai as a Brahmin.
• Boldly challenged caste and social norms to uplift Rai’s status.

Cultural Legacy and Recognition

• Turned Rai from a stigmatized form to a respected art.
• Founded the Bundelkhandi Lok Nritya Natya Kala Parishad to promote regional culture.
• Played a crucial role in preserving Bundelkhand’s folk heritage.

Awards and Achievements

• Honored with Padma Shri in 2022 for promoting Rai dance.
• Received the title ‘Nritya Shiromani’ in 1980.
• Appointed to the Tribal Folk Art Council by the Madhya Pradesh government.

National and International Presence

• First major performance in 1964 at Ravindra Bhavan, Bhopal.

Represented India globally,

• Japan (1984)
• Dubai (2006)