Haryana folk artistes struggle for survival, seek govt support

The folk artistes of Haryana, who have dedicated their lives to preserving traditional art forms, are now battling for survival. Many have been forced into daily-wage labour, while older artistes, unable to work, depend on Below Poverty Line (BPL) ration and meagre pensions.

Even those who have performed internationally and won national and state awards are struggling.

"I have performed in the US, Canada, Russia and Dubai and was honoured with the Lok Kala Sadhak Samman by the North Zone Cultural Centre (NZCC), Patiala, under the Union Ministry of Culture. Yet today, I survive on an old-age pension of Rs 3,000 and a BPL ration card," laments Subhash Nagada, a renowned nagada player from Rohtak, who has trained several disciples under a government programme.

Similar is the plight of nagada and shehnai player Sansar, who once performed across India but now lies dejected in front of his small house in old Rohtak town, relying on pension and BPL ration.

Dharmender Singh alias Monu Saangi, a noted Saang artiste from Nidana village, whose song featured in the film Dada Lakhmi (based on poet Pandit Lakhmi Chand), struggles to support his family. "I have been honoured with silver crowns and coins at government and private events. But with very few cultural programmes happening, I work as a construction and farm labourer to survive," says Dharmender, father of an 11-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son.

His guru, 70-year-old saangi Mahaveer Singh, also faces severe financial difficulties.

Noted sarangi player Dhuni Nath questions the authorities: "At events, ministers and officers ask us to keep folk arts alive. But how can we do that when we are struggling to survive?"

His concerns are shared by deru player Rajender, who urges the government to support artistes who have dedicated their lives to preserving Haryana’s cultural heritage. Several other acclaimed artistes — sarangi players Manphool (Bhiwani) and Pratap (Kaithal), saang artiste Mainpal (Jind) and been player Ram Diya (Panipat) — are also living in dire conditions.

"Many artistes are dying a slow death due to financial distress. They deserve cash rewards or a decent pension so they can support their families and educate their children," says Pradeep Bahmani, president of the Haryana Lok-Kalakar Sangathan.

Echoing this sentiment, Subhash Nagada advises young artistes: "Pursue art as a hobby, but prioritise education and career-building — because survival comes before art."