– Mohammed Atherulla Shariff
Among the extraordinary Indians and foreigners who have been awarded the coveted Padma Awards on India’s 76th Republic Day is a folk singer Batool Begum from Rajasthan who, through her songs, has not only promoted communal harmony, but also smashed social stereotypes and glass ceiling.
Begum has been awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of her artistic achievements and cultural preservation of Rajasthan’s folk music.
Born in Kerap village of the Nagaur district of Rajasthan, Batool Begum comes from the Mirasi community, which is considered socially and economically backward. Her family had little resources to lead a comfortable life but Begum showed her interest in music in her childhood.
When she was 8 years old, she started singing bhajans. Being a Muslim singing with devotion to deities like Rama and Ganapati revered by the Hindus, she not only set an example of religious tolerance but also challenged conservatism. This earned her the nickname of “Begum of Bhajans”. She got married at the age of 16. Her husband Firoz Khan was a conductor in State Roadways. They parented three sons but Batool continued her passion of music amid domestic responsibilities.
Her singing was not only limited to Mand and Bhajans, she also learned to play traditional musical instruments like Dhol, Dholak and Tabla.
Her dedication and hard work took her from small concerts to international platforms.
Begum earned fame not only in India but all over the world through her singing. She performed in countries like America, Britain, France, Tunisia, Italy, Switzerland, and Germany. Her name is also associated with an international fusion folk music band called ‘Bollywood Klezmer’, which presents cultural fusion by bringing artists from different religions and cultures on one platform. Through this band, she worked to promote communal harmony and diversity.
Her art has also been recognised by the governments of France and Tunisia. Her Mand singing and bhajans have given her an identity that transcends religious and cultural boundaries and gives the message of humanity and harmony.
Begum is not only a great singer but also a supporter of modern thoughts. She strongly advocates girl education and women empowerment. For the last five decades, she has been promoting communal harmony and social harmony through her singing.
Her art has proved that music is not bound by the boundaries of any religion or caste. She has become a symbol of religious tolerance and social unity.
