The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Hyderabad): Darshanam Mogulaiah, a 73-year-old artiste who was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021 for his efforts in preserving and reinventing the rare musical instrument kinnera, has been found working as a daily wager at a construction site near c. Despite receiving a grant of Rs 1 crore from the Telangana government following his award, Mogulaiah has been struggling to make ends meet due to various family exigencies.
As the father of nine children, Mogulaiah has been facing financial difficulties, particularly due to the medical expenses for his son who suffers from seizures. The discontinuation of a monthly honorarium of Rs 10,000 has further added to his woes. Expressing his pain, Mogulaiah shared that when he approached government offices for assistance, people clicked photos with him and circulated them, claiming that he was begging for his existence.
Mogulaiah had also visited the Rangareddy collector’s office on multiple occasions, but each time he was met with a new collector. Although the officials received him well and promised to allot him a piece of land near Hayathnagar, no concrete action has been taken so far.
Known for his mastery of the 12-stair kinnera, an indigenous stringed instrument predominantly associated with Dalit and tribal communities such as the Dakkalis, the Madigas, and the Chenchus, Mogulaiah has been instrumental in preserving this art form that is on the verge of extinction. Hailing from a Madiga family in the Ausalikunta village of the Lingala mandal in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district, Mogulaiah’s efforts have been crucial in keeping this traditional art alive.
The plight of Mogulaiah highlights the challenges faced by many artists and cultural practitioners in India, who often struggle to sustain themselves despite their significant contributions to the nation’s cultural heritage. The lack of consistent support from the government and the absence of a robust ecosystem to nurture and promote traditional art forms have left many artists like Mogulaiah in a precarious position.
It is essential for the government and society at large to recognize the importance of preserving and promoting India’s diverse cultural heritage. By providing adequate financial support, creating sustainable livelihood opportunities, and ensuring the well-being of artists like Mogulaiah, we can ensure that these invaluable art forms continue to thrive and enrich our cultural landscape for generations to come.
The story of Darshanam Mogulaiah serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need to address the challenges faced by artists and cultural practitioners in India. It is time for the government and society to come together and create a supportive environment that enables artists to pursue their passions without having to worry about their basic needs. Only then can we truly celebrate and cherish the richness and diversity of our cultural heritage.
