When we set out on our journey to discover the gems of Bundeli folk music, we came across a family bound together by their unwavering love for their folk songs. For generations, they have preserved the essence of their tradition through music. They shared fond memories of how their mothers and grandmothers sang folk songs to them, a melody that became an inseparable part of their childhood. One such gem born in Panna, a city renowned for its sparkling diamonds and emeralds, is Urmila Pandey, a woman who grew up amidst rhythms and melodies. Though trained in classical music, she dedicated her life to nurturing and promoting Bundeli folk music.
As Urmila Ji delved deeper into Bundeli folk traditions, she realized how underappreciated and neglected this art form was. This realization fueled her mission to bring Bundeli music to a wider audience and reconnect society with its roots. Although Bundeli folk music is rich in literature and melody, it remains largely unknown to many. Urmila ji strives to bridge this gap by teaching folk music to the next generation, ensuring its survival.
Her journey began in a home where music was a way of life. Morning and evening prayers would fill the air with Devotional songs, and little Urmila would join in, sometimes singing, sometimes playing the Harmonium or Dholak. Her first formal experience with music came when she was in the sixth grade. Accompanying her mother to a Gayatri Ramayan recital, she grew eager to play instruments like the harmonium and tabla for the first time. Here, she played her first tune, “Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari,” surprising everyone with her natural talent. Encouraged by this experience, her interest in music grew deeper, nurtured by the vibrant musical environment at home.
Later, she pursued her formal education in music, learning classical styles from her guru. However, her heart was always drawn to the folk songs her mother sang. She was fascinated by how her mother remembered thousands of songs by heart, each steeped in the rich traditions of Bundeli culture. Inspired by this, Urmila Ji immersed herself in Bundeli folk music and devoted herself entirely to preserving and promoting it.
Before meeting her, we had heard a lot about her work, and yet, when we first met her, she struck us as someone incredibly humble and grounded. She carried the demeanor of an artist truly connected to her roots, unaffected by her well-deserved recognition and numerous accomplishments, including the prestigious Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 2019. This remarkable recognition was conferred upon her by none other than the President of India, Droupadi Murmu. Later, she was further honored by being appointed as a Guru at the Sangeet Natak Akademi. In this role, Urmila Ji takes her mission forward by teaching Bundeli folk music to ten new students every year, free of cost. Through her efforts, she nurtures the next generation of artists while keeping the essence of folk traditions alive.
Our meeting took place at a remote temple named JhanJhan Devi temple, nestled in a rugged path between hills—a location that even the young might hesitate to approach. But not Urmila Ji. At 65, she showed remarkable spirit, walking to the spot without hesitation. The midday sun blazed above, but not once did she complain about the heat or the arduous trek. Her cheerful conversation and lighthearted laughter set the tone for what turned out to be an unforgettable session.
The first song she sang was an ode to Devi Bhagranjan Maa, invoking the divine with heartfelt devotion. Following this, she performed a ledh song with the poignant line, “Al gajre bhari belataal, gagar mori na doobe Ram.” It carried a deep message of faith in divine strength, symbolizing the hope that one’s soul stays afloat amidst life’s struggles. After a short break, she sang a Kartik song, painting a vivid picture of plucking red flowers and adorning oneself with garlands, a celebration of simplicity and beauty.
Urmila Ji’s team included her students, many of whom have learned music directly under her guidance. Two of them, Soumya and Purvi, performed alongside her. These young artists shared how Urmila Ji not only provides them with free training but also helps them teach other students at her academy, offering them both a platform and a source of livelihood.
Her group is a beautiful mix of young and experienced artists, each with a different musical background but united by one goal: to protect and preserve Bundeli folk songs and language in its purest form. For her students, Urmila Pandey is not just a mentor; she is like a mother who has selflessly imparted her knowledge and inspired them to keep this heritage alive. Through her dedication, she has elevated Bundeli folk music to remarkable heights, becoming a guiding force for her culture. Her invaluable contributions beautifully reflect the strength of tradition and continue to inspire countless individuals who dream of keeping their roots alive.
