Babu Kushwaha

47-year-old Babu Kushwaha started practising Pai Danda at 12 and manages and trains his group in today’s traditional Bundeli martial arts-based dance. For him, it is not just about the performances but also about fostering brotherhood and creating a family-like atmosphere among his group that keeps him going. Members of his group come from all walks of life and support each other financially and morally. The group has also become a refuge for unemployed and underprivileged youth who look up to Babu’s guidance. 

Babu himself is also a wrestler and has won many cups in wrestling matches. He believes a significant aspect of being a Pai Danda artist is being fit and that it promotes a healthy lifestyle and encourages discipline. He learnt this art form from his father and belonged to a family practising and performing it for many generations. Likewise, other members of his group have also excelled in wrestling and kabaddi. Still, they find it challenging to go ahead in those sports because of financial difficulties and a lack of direction and opportunities in their villages. Babu works in a rice mill for 12 hours daily and earns primarily through that. Although he and his group enjoy performing and take pride in preserving their cultural heritage, they only earn a few hundred rupees each for every performance. 

Children as young as seven are also part of his group, and they train for about two hours in the morning every day, before they go about their day. It includes students, workers, farmers, and labourers, for whom the group has become a support system and an extended family that fosters brotherhood.

• Bundelkhand
• Uttar Pradesh