NewKerala.com

"I Could Not Believe PM Modi Was Calling": Venu Deshmukh's Emotional Moment

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a personal phone call to check on legendary folk artist Teejan Bai's health during his Chhattisgarh visit. He spoke with her daughter-in-law Venu Deshmukh, who expressed disbelief at receiving the call from the PM. The family revealed that Teejan Bai is currently unable to eat solid food and survives on soup. Following the call, a medical team visited her home and the family received assurances of full government support.

Key Points: PM Modi Calls Teejan Bai's Family to Check on Her Health

  • PM Modi spoke with Teejan Bai's daughter-in-law for over a minute
  • Teejan Bai unable to eat solid food due to health issues
  • Doctors visited her home after PM's personal call
  • Family requested government job amid financial difficulties
2 min read

'I could not believe PM Modi was calling': Venu Deshmukh on PM's personal outreach to Teejan Bai

PM Modi personally called folk artist Teejan Bai's family, expressing concern for her health and assuring full government support during his Chhattisgarh visit.

"I could not believe that PM Modi is calling - Venu Deshmukh"

Durg, Nov 1

During his day-long visit to Chhattisgarh on the state’s 25th Foundation Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a heartfelt moment amid grand inaugurations to personally inquire about the health of renowned folk artist Teejan Bai. The Padma Vibhushan awardee, celebrated for her Pandwani performances that brought India’s folk storytelling tradition to the global stage, has faced health challenges.

PM Modi spoke to Teejan Bai’s daughter-in-law, Venu Deshmukh, for around 1 minute and 18 seconds, expressing concern and assuring the family of all possible support.

Sharing her experience and details, Venu Deshmukh told IANS that Teejan Bai is currently unable to eat solid food and is being given soup to maintain her nutrition. “The Prime Minister said he wanted to meet her in person, but due to certain reasons, he could not. Today, being in Chhattisgarh, he called to check on her well-being and offered help for anything needed,” she said.

She also noted that Teejan Bai’s entire family are admirers of PM Modi, making the gesture even more special. The call left the family deeply moved. I could not believe that PM Modi is calling, she remarked, adding, “A team of doctors visited the home to check Teejan ji after the call.” She lauded the Modi government’s massive operation towards ending Maoism in the state.

She told IANS that the Prime Minister assured the family of full support and asked them to contact him for any assistance needed, including for medical treatment.

Prime Minister Modi also called author Vinod Kumar Shukla to check on his health. Vinod Kumar Shukla’s son, Shashwat Shukla, shared that the Prime Minister spoke to his father over the phone to inquire about his health.

During the conversation, Vinod Kumar Shukla expressed his desire to return home in good health. “It feels good to see the Prime Minister of the country personally asking about the well-being of a writer,” Shashwat said.

Meanwhile, Durg District Collector Abhishek Singh and the SDM visited Teejan Bai’s residence in Ganiyari to check on her health. The family highlighted financial difficulties and requested a government job for a family member.

Teejan Bai, 73, has faced personal and financial struggles in recent years, including the loss of her sons and delays in pension support. The state government has provided Rs 5 lakh in assistance and arranged home-care equipment.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the gesture is nice, I hope this isn't just symbolic. Teejan Bai has been facing financial difficulties for years - where was the support before? The government needs to ensure consistent support for our artists, not just occasional calls.
A
Arjun K
Teejan Bai's Pandwani performances are part of our cultural heritage. It's good to see our PM recognizing and honoring such artists. Hope she gets the medical care she needs and recovers soon! 🎭
S
Sarah B
As someone who has watched Teejan Bai perform, this news touches my heart. Artists like her preserve our traditional art forms. The government should create a permanent support system for senior artists facing health and financial challenges.
V
Vikram M
This is the kind of leadership we need - caring for citizens personally. But let's not forget the family's request for a government job. Hope the administration follows through with concrete help, not just promises.
M
Michael C
The fact that he called both Teejan Bai and Vinod Kumar Shukla shows this wasn't an isolated incident. Genuine concern for cultural figures is important for preserving our national identity. Well done!

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50