Republic Day 2026 honors kicked off with the Padma Awards announcement, recognizing top achievers in arts, service, and innovation. From Gujarat’s Junagadh emerges Mir Hajibhai Kasambhai, the dholak maestro awarded Padma Shri for artistic excellence.
Through 60 years, his dholak rhythms have danced across borders, introducing global audiences to India’s folk soul. Hajibhai’s stage presence has illuminated Gujarat’s customs, fostering cultural pride and unity.
Emotional at 80, he shared, ‘Padma Shri makes my lifelong dream true. This goes to my teachers and Junagadh. PM Modi has backed my craft since Gujarat CM times—my deepest gratitude.’ The honor electrifies his community.
Relatives flocked with cheers, amplifying family bliss. These elite awards—Padma Vibhushan, Bhushan, Shri—honor supreme, superior, and specialized contributions across sectors like literature, medicine, business, and sports, proclaimed annually before Republic Day.
Hajibhai’s feat spotlights folk virtuosos’ vital role. It motivates preservation of heritage sounds in today’s fast world.