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Renowned Kathak exponent of the country Padmavibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj was a global ambassador of Indian art and culture. For the last 80 years till the last moments of his life, Maharaj Ji worked extensively for the wide spread promotion and propagation of Kathak dance.With the demise of Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji on January 17, 2022, an era in classical dance art came to an end. Pt. Birju Maharaj Ji's contribution is unparalleled in making Kathak popular and accessible to all. Even though this sun has set today, but it has made its everlasting light eternal. Birju Maharaj's name will be taken with respect and honor for centuries to come.

The name of Pt. Birju Maharaj lead the path in taking Kathak out of India and making it world famous. He perfected this dance style in such a way that he became the "pillar" of Kathak. He went to the smallest towns of almost all the states of the country and gave extensive training in Kathak dance to countless children, young and senior artists.

It is an often quoted adage that the thirsty seek the water-well, but Maharaj ji is completely beyond this saying, as like the fountainhead, Maharaj ji travelled far and wide with the pure waters of Kathak quenching the thirst of many who could not find their way to him. Through Kathak and allied arts , Maharaj ji has enabled a number of artists to become self reliant.

Pt Birju Maharaj Ji composed Music as well as choreographed two songs for Satyajit Ray's iconic “Shatranj Ke Khiladi”. "Kahe Chhede Mohe" in the movie Devdas received global critical as well as popular acclaim, followed by dance composition (choreography) in the songs of Dedh Ishqiya, Dil toh pagal hai and more. Not only this, he won the Filmfare Award in 2016 for choreographing the song "Mohe Rang Do Lal" from Bajirao Mastani and the President's Award in 2012 for dance choreography for the south Indian film Vishwaroopam.These choreographies and recognitions are a testament to the global popularity of Pt. Birju Maharaj. The works of Birju Maharaj are an unending source of inspiration for the young generation who are turning away from their roots and classical dance art.

For his lifetime work towards giving a new dimension and new height to the art of Kathak dance, Birju Maharaj kept getting decorated and awarded from time to time since the beginning of his career. Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1964) and Padma Vibhushan (1986), including Nritya Chudamani Award (1986-Sri Krishna Gana Sabha), Kalidas Samman (1987), Lata Mangeshkar Award (2002), Sangam Kala Samman, Bharat Muni Samman, Andhra Ratna, Nritya Vilas Award, Adharshila Shikhar Samman,  Nritya Shiromani Samman, and Rajiv Gandhi National Goodwill Award.
He also received "Life Time Achievement Award" by Ethnic Dance Society, California, Soviet Land Nehru Award, "Arts de Lettres" Award by France. 
In addition, Indira Kala-Music Vishwavidyalaya - Khairagarh, Kashi-Hindu University - BHU, and Rabindra Bharati University have honored him with honorary PhD degrees. 
Maharaj ji globalized the tradition of Kathak dance having its roots in Handia Tehsil, UP. In the year 2012, he has also been instrumental in organizing the 3-day Kathak Yagya in Handia Tehsil, located between Prayagraj and Varanasi cities of Uttar Pradesh.  

Not only in India, but throughout the world, Maharaj Ji’s presentation on various forums of art and culture were both astonishing and heart-pleasing. The popularity of his performances & teachings across the globe helped immensely in attracting foreign students and tourists to come to India to learn the depth of these divine arts. Not only as a dancer, he was also popular as a soulful vocalist, an ace percussionist, a poet, a painter and played several musical instruments. Perhaps in the world of music & dance, there would be barely a few who could match his multi faceted artistic genius.

Hence we the Kathak artists & music lovers, humbly appeal to your goodself to honor the great icon of Indian music & dance by bestowing upon him the prestigious Bharat Ratna Samman, posthumously. Also to name a road in Delhi in his name for posterity.

From:  Pt. Birju Maharaj's
Kalashram School of Dance & Music ( Gulmohar Park , New Delhi)