New Delhi, March 18: March 19 is not just a date; it marks the birth of Madhuri Badhtwal, a daughter of the serene and beautiful hill station Lansdowne in Uttarakhand’s Pauri Garhwal district. Born in 1953, Madhuri has dedicated her life to folk music and culture, winning hearts with her artistry while preserving Uttarakhand’s rich heritage.
Madhuri spent her childhood surrounded by the stunning cedar forests and mountains of Lansdowne. From an early age, she developed a passion for music. Her father, Chandramani Uniyal, a singer and sitar player, ensured that Madhuri received formal music education at Prayag Sangeet Samiti. This training paved her way to becoming All India Radio’s first female musician.
After completing high school, Madhuri earned a degree in Sangeet Prabhakar. She then took on the role of music teacher at Government Inter College, Lansdowne, to share her knowledge with others. However, her true magic began when she started composing music for Akashvani Najibabad in her spare time.
Through the program ‘Dharohar’ on Akashvani, Madhuri not only promoted Uttarakhand’s folk music, dramas, and folk tales but also gave them a new identity. She demonstrated that folk music is not merely a tradition but a vital part of our cultural identity.
Breaking conservative norms, Madhuri formed a women’s drumming team, empowering them with the skills to play the dhol. In recognition of her contributions, she received the Nari Shakti Award from then-President Ram Nath Kovind on International Women’s Day 2019. This award was not just an accolade but a tribute to her years of relentless efforts to pass on folk traditions and music to the next generation.
Madhuri’s organization, Manu Lok Cultural Heritage Promotion Institute, has played a significant role in preserving folk music, instruments, and culture. Through this institute, she has trained many young individuals, ensuring that Uttarakhand’s folk heritage remains alive.
In 2022, the Government of India honored her with the Padma Shri award, a testament to her life’s work and dedication to folk music. Even today, Madhuri Badhtwal remains active in her endeavors, whether teaching music to the younger generation, preserving folk instruments, or empowering women to play the dhol. She continues to be an inspiring figure in every aspect of her work.
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