Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Chhattisgarh on the occasion of the state’s 25th foundation day, paused his schedule of major public events to enquire about the health of two of the state’s renowned cultural personalities: folk legend Teejan Bai and writer Vinod Kumar Shukla.
According to official updates, the Prime Minister’s message of concern reflected his respect for Chhattisgarh’s rich cultural traditions as he launched a range of development projects valued at over Rs 14,260 crore.
Both Teejan Bai and Vinod Kumar Shukla have been facing serious health issues in recent days.
Teejan Bai’s Health and Support
Teejan Bai, 73, globally acclaimed for her Pandwani performances and often called the ‘Panditani of Raut Nacha’, was admitted to AIIMS Raipur on Monday following directions from Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
Last year, reports had surfaced about her ill health and financial difficulties after the loss of her two sons. Her family had mentioned delays in pension payments, which disrupted her medical treatment.
The Durg district administration later provided her with financial assistance and resolved the pension issue.
The government also extended further help, offering Rs 5 lakh and providing a motorised bed, wheelchair, and other equipment to support her daily needs.
Vinod Kumar Shukla’s Medical Condition
Ninety-year-old Vinod Kumar Shukla, the distinguished novelist and poet best known for works such as Naagraj, has been receiving treatment for severe respiratory distress in the ICU of MMI Narayana Multispeciality Hospital since Monday evening.
A few days earlier, he had drawn attention after receiving a royalty cheque of Rs 30 lakh, a rare event for the reclusive author. His health troubles began with a fall at his home in Rajnandgaon, which caused a nasal fracture and required surgery.
After his discharge, he developed breathing problems and readmitted to the hospital.
The Prime Minister’s concern, conveyed through the Chief Minister’s Office, wished both artists a quick recovery and acknowledged their lifelong contribution to Indian art and literature.
During his visit, PM Modi also interacted with 2,500 children who had undergone treatment for congenital heart defects under the Dil Ki Baat initiative at Sri Sathya Sai Sanjeevani Hospital in Nava Raipur.
He later inaugurated the Brahma Kumaris’ ‘Shanti Shikhar’ centre, unveiled a statue of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and laid the foundation stones for key infrastructure projects such as national highways, power substations, and the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Museum.
As Chhattisgarh commemorates twenty-five years of statehood, the Prime Minister’s gesture towards its ailing artists served as a reminder that progress is most meaningful when it honours cultural and human values.
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