Devram comes from Jhandra village of Jaisalmer district. He belongs to Meghwal tribe who sings only devotional songs. Their group plays at various auspicious occasions in their community, e.g. festivals, the birth of infant, marriage, death and also at inaugurations of newly constructed buildings etc. Their main activity – Jaagran, comprises of prayers that go on throughout the night starting from evening till morning. This 44 years old folk artist is a vivid musician who plays both Tandoora and Manjira along with backing the vocals of the group leader. He began singing Lord Krishna’s bhajans (devotional Songs) when he was in 3rd standard, after which he further learnt from his grandmother & father. Now, his devotional songs consist of songs written by Kabir Das, Sheikh Fareed, Mirabai, Ravidas. His primary source of income is Jaagrans (nightlong devotional prayers). He is a Follower of Dungu Ram Ji Maharaj, but has learnt mostly by himself.
His Philosophy about their folk music is that one who sings these devotional songs disengages himself from worldly matters and it is then only, it is easy for an individual to understand that he has come to this world alone and will go back all alone and empty-handed. They have this belief that you can’t commit any sin when you chant these songs in daily lives. Apart from this, he strictly emphasises on education, as he has experienced that a group of illiterate men are considered as a herd of sheep. Therefore, education is very important to create a unique identity. Bhajan is a very important component of his life & in order to pass on this legacy, he teaches his children in the evening after getting back home. He is very hopeful with several non-profit organisations coming forward to promote their cultural heritage, their traditional music is being recognised worldwide. After performing in several countries as a part of Manganiyar Seduction, his only dream is to work with trained musicians and to learn more and more.
- Jaisalmer
- Rajasthan