20-05-2016
Noted folk singer and Padma award winner Diwaliben Bhil, 82, passed away in her hometown Junagadh yesterday. I am deeply saddened by her demise. A primary school dropout, Diwaliben was a self-taught folk artist who rose from humble background to gain acclaim both in India and around the world.
She was the voice of hundreds of Gujarati folk songs and garbas, including the famous "Marey todle betho mor", "Sona Vatkdi Re Kesar Gholya" and "Vage che re" and Ram Na Ban Vagya, Hari Na Ban Vagya Re to name a few.
Born in a tribal family, she worked at a primary school as part of the government's literacy programme, before her talent was recognised. Diwaliben achieved commercial success and was acknowledged in 1990 for her contribution in the field of folk music with Padma Shri by the Government of India.
Notable songs by Diwaliben include "Hoon to kagalaiyan lakhi lakhi thaki...", "Varse Varse Ashadhi Kere Megh..." and "Chelaiya Khama Khamare, from the Gujarati movie 'Halo Gamde Jaiye'. She was an integral part of every folklore programme (Lok Dayro) in Gujarat in last 6 decades.
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