Person in News

Sudhansh Pant

• Sudhansh Pant, an IAS officer of the 1991 batch, was appointed as the new chief secretary of Rajasthan.
• It is Sudhansh Pant’s third successive appointment in a year.

Four Padma Shri awardee

Why in News?
Recently, President Droupadi Murmu approved the Padma Shri awards for five notable individuals from Rajasthan in recognition of their achievements and contributions in diverse fields.

Key Points on Padma Shri Awardees from Rajasthan

1. Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammed (The Ghani Brothers)
   • Awarded for excellence in folk singing. The Ghani Brothers are renowned for their contributions to preserving Rajasthan’s rich tradition of folk music.
   • They are particularly celebrated for their soulful renditions of traditional Rajasthani music and have captivated audiences across the state.
2. Laxman Bhatt Tailang (Dhrupad Player)
   • At 93 years old, Laxman Bhatt Tailang is a revered figure in Indian classical music, specifically in the Dhrupad genre.
   • An accomplished author, he has written several books on Indian classical music and trained hundreds of students over his lifetime, playing a significant role in the continuation of the Dhrupad tradition.
3. Maya Tandon (Road Safety Activist)
   • Recognized for her dedicated work in road safety. Maya Tandon has trained over 100,000 people in providing rescue assistance to victims of road accidents.
   • Her efforts have contributed significantly to emergency response awareness and have saved numerous lives on Rajasthan’s roads.
4. Janki Lal Bhand (Behrupiya Art)
   • At 81 years old, Janki Lal Bhand has devoted his life to keeping the traditional Behrupiya art form alive.
   • Known as an expert impersonator, he has performed in more than 10 countries and introduced audiences worldwide to the vibrant and creative Behrupiya tradition of character impersonation.

About Behrupiya Art

1. Meaning and Origin:
   • The term “Behrupiya” is derived from the Sanskrit words “bahu” (many) and “roop” (form), meaning “multi-faceted” or “many-formed.”
   • Behrupiya artists impersonate different characters and are traditionally found performing in villages and markets across India.
2. Performance Style:
   • Behrupiyas often portray figures from mythology, folklore, and local stories, using costumes and makeup to transform into various characters.
   • This art form is interactive, allowing audiences to engage directly with characters from Rajasthan’s rich cultural tapestry.
3. National Behrupiya Festival:
   • The National Behrupiya Festival was held by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) from 5th to 8th October 2018.
   • IGNCA operates under the Ministry of Culture as an autonomous institution, supporting diverse forms of art, including the traditional Behrupiya.

Potential RPSC Exam Questions

1. Explain the contribution of the Ghani Brothers to Rajasthani folk music.
   • Expected Answer: The Ghani Brothers, Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammed, are acclaimed folk singers recognized for their contributions to preserving and promoting Rajasthani folk music. Their performances have kept traditional music alive, captivating audiences with authentic renditions that highlight the cultural heritage of Rajasthan.
2. Who is Laxman Bhatt Tailang, and what are his contributions to Indian classical music?
   • Expected Answer: Laxman Bhatt Tailang is a 93-year-old Dhrupad player from Rajasthan. He has authored books on Indian classical music and trained numerous students in the Dhrupad genre, contributing significantly to the preservation and continuity of this classical art form.
3. Discuss the importance of Maya Tandon’s work in the field of road safety.
   • Expected Answer: Maya Tandon has trained over 1 lakh people in road accident rescue techniques, increasing public awareness and responsiveness in emergencies. Her contributions have led to better preparedness in accident scenarios, potentially saving countless lives through prompt interventions.
4. Describe the Behrupiya art form and its significance in Indian culture.
   • Expected Answer: The Behrupiya art form involves impersonators who dress as various characters, often derived from mythology, folklore, and traditional stories. With roots in the Sanskrit words “bahu” (many) and “roop” (form), it showcases India’s cultural diversity and continues to be an important art form, kept alive by artists like Janki Lal Bhand.
5. What is the National Behrupiya Festival, and which institution organized it?
   • Expected Answer: The National Behrupiya Festival is an event celebrating the traditional Behrupiya art form. It was organized by the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture.
6. List the five Padma Shri awardees from Rajasthan in 2024 and their respective fields.
   • Expected Answer: The awardees are:
     • Ali Mohammed and Ghani Mohammed – Folk Singing.
     • Laxman Bhatt Tailang – Dhrupad Music.
     • Maya Tandon – Road Safety Activism.
     • Janki Lal Bhand – Behrupiya Art.