Gujarati folk music stalwart Mir Haji Kasam to receive Padma Shri on May 25

According to his profile, he has conducted more than 35,000 charity programmes for cow shelters and organised events to support marriages of underprivileged families in Junagadh.Even in his seventies, he continues to teach folk music free of cost to children and aspiring artistes.Kasam has been conferred several prestigious state honours over the years, including the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar, Gujarat Rajya Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Gujarat Lok Kala Rashtriya Puraskar.

Veteran Gujarati folk musician Mir Haji Kasam, popularly known as Haji Ramakdu, will be conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at a civil investiture ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan here on May 25.

Kasam, a renowned dholak player from Junagadh, has devoted more than six decades to preserving and promoting Gujarati folk music traditions in India and abroad, a statement said.

Despite having no formal education, he began his musical journey at the age of 10 and went on to become one of the most recognised folk artistes from Gujarat, it said.

Known for his energetic performances and distinctive bond with the dholak, Kasam earned the affectionate moniker ''Ramakdu'' -- a Gujarati word meaning toy -- among admirers of folk music. He got the nickname for his masterful ability to make the dholak ''speak'' and mimic the sounds of different musical toys.

Over the years, he has collaborated with generations of performers, Gujarati film personalities, and radio platforms, helping traditional folk rhythms reach wider audiences.

Kasam has performed in several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Canada, the UAE, and Oman, showcasing India's folk traditions on international stages through thousands of cultural programmes.

Apart from his musical contributions, Kasam is also known for his social service initiatives. According to his profile, he has conducted more than 35,000 charity programmes for cow shelters and organised events to support marriages of underprivileged families in Junagadh.

Even in his seventies, he continues to teach folk music free of cost to children and aspiring artistes.

Kasam has been conferred several prestigious state honours over the years, including the Gujarat Gaurav Puraskar, Gujarat Rajya Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, and Gujarat Lok Kala Rashtriya Puraskar.