Padma Shri award winner Musafir Ram passes away

Musafir Ram Bhardwaj, a celebrated musician and Padma Shri recipient, passed away late on Friday at his residence at Dunera, Punjab, a small town near the Himachal Pradesh border. The 95-year-old had been unwell for several months, his son Vinod Bhardwaj said. The last rites took place at the village crematorium.

Born in 1930 at Sanchui village in the Bharmour subdivision of Chamba district, Bhardwaj was awarded the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour, for his outstanding contributions to the arts in 2014. Known for his mastery of “Paun Mata”— a rare copper drum akin to a damaru, crafted from copper and lamb hide — Bhardwaj brought this centuries-old instrument to life with remarkable skill. Unlike most drums, Paun Mata is played by rubbing fingers along the hide, requiring a unique technique and expertise.

The Paun Mata holds special significance in the Manimahesh pilgrimage and other local religious ceremonies, a legacy Bhardwaj carried forward with deep devotion. In an interview in 2019, Bhardwaj said he learnt to play the instrument from his father, Deewana Ram, at the age of seven and devoted more than eight decades to playing Paun Mata captivating audiences with its distinctive sound. In recognition of his contributions, Bhardwaj also received the Rashtrapati Award in 2009 and performed at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi. A devout follower of Lord Shiva, he led the “Chhari Yatra” for many years, carrying the Paun Mata as a symbol of spiritual significance during the annual Manimahesh pilgrimage.

Beyond his musical legacy, Bhardwaj, was a dedicated agriculturist and also worked as a tailor. Though he had no formal education, his skill and commitment earned him great respect within his community. His passing marks a profound loss to the region and the preservation of its cultural heritage.

Bhardwaj’s life and contributions stand as a lasting testament to the rich traditions of Bharmour and the art of playing Paun Mata.