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SANTRAM AND ANANDI DEVI

Anandi Devi and Santram, a blind couple from the Kumaon region, embody a rich tradition of folk music and cultural heritage. Both in their seventies, they have dedicated their lives to preserving and performing traditional Kumaoni music, including Chapeli, Jhoda, Chanchari, and Hudka.

Santram, who began learning music around 15-16 years of age, was guided by a guru and learned various forms such as Jagar and Malushahi. Despite losing his parents in his youth, Santram continued to immerse himself in music, finding solace and purpose in his craft. He recalls how his early life was shaped by the loss of his parents and the subsequent need to manage on his own. With his background in farming and music, Santram has spent decades refining his skills, performing at local events, and learning from his community.

Anandi Devi also started learning music in her childhood, primarily through practical experience in the fields and forests, gathering grass and performing rituals. She and Santram met and married when he was around 40 years old, and she was around 25. Both Anandi and Santram have adapted their music to suit their surroundings and needs, even creating their own songs. They live in a simple home in Dholchina, where they have managed to build a life despite the challenges.

The couple has a deep connection to their community and often performs at local events, where they are supported by the villagers. Their musical repertoire includes traditional forms that they both perform with dedication and passion. Despite their age and visual impairment, Anandi and Santram remain active in their musical endeavors, continuing to enrich their cultural heritage. They live a modest life, with the support of government aid and the local community, while remaining true to their artistic roots.

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