Cultural Excellence: Growing Campaign for India's Highest Honor to Celebrate Bhojpuri Literary Giant
A powerful movement is emerging to honor Bhikhari Thakur, the 'Shakespeare of Bhojpuri', with India's prestigious Bharat Ratna award. This recognition would celebrate indigenous artistic excellence and acknowledge how cultural pioneers can drive social transformation through their artistic contributions.
Bhikhari Thakur: The 'Shakespeare of Bhojpuri' whose artistic excellence drove social transformation
A Cultural Icon's Legacy Demands National Recognition
In a powerful demonstration of cultural pride and recognition of indigenous excellence, prominent voices across India are uniting to demand the prestigious Bharat Ratna award for Bhikhari Thakur, the legendary cultural figure known as the 'Shakespeare of Bhojpuri'.
Champion of Cultural Identity and Social Reform
Thakur (1887-1971) exemplified how artistic excellence can drive meaningful social transformation. Rising from humble origins in Bihar's Saran district, he developed into a multifaceted cultural pioneer - earning recognition as a playwright, actor, folk singer, and social reformer.
'The legendary Bhikhari Thakur was much ahead of his time. He addressed critical social issues through art that resonated with the masses,' notes actor-politician Manoj Tiwari, who has formally requested the award from India's Home Minister.
Cultural Excellence as a Tool for Social Progress
What distinguishes Thakur's legacy is how he wielded artistic mastery to challenge social inequities. His works confronted issues like:
- Treatment of widows
- Dowry practices
- Child trafficking
- Caste discrimination
Through productions like 'Bidesiya', 'Beti-Bechwa', and 'Ganga-Snan', he created art that was both culturally rich and socially transformative.
Growing Support Across Leadership
The campaign has gained momentum with support from influential voices including:
- BJP MPs Manoj Tiwari and Ravi Kishan
- Renowned singer Kalpana Patowary
- Cultural scholars and researchers
- Bihar's Minister for Art, Culture and Youth
Legacy of Excellence and Impact
Today, Thakur's work is studied in universities globally, demonstrating how indigenous cultural excellence can achieve universal relevance. His artistic innovations, particularly in folk theater traditions like 'Launda Naach', showcase the sophistication of local cultural forms.
The movement to honor Thakur with India's highest civilian award represents more than recognition of artistic achievement - it affirms the power of cultural excellence to drive positive social transformation.