Last Update:01 November 2024 11:03 IST

Professor Ramnarayan Tiwari discovered nearly 25,000 Bhojpuri folk songs by traveling on foot in Purvanchal and Bihar

In 1993, Professor Tiwari was honored with the Sahitya Shodhi Award by the All India Folk Literature Research Institute for his invaluable contributions. (Local18)

Bhojpuri songs often make headlines in connection with concerns of perceived vulgarity, with many considering them unsuitable for family environments. But Ramnarayan Tiwari, an English professor from Ghazipur, has challenged this notion by discovering more than 20,000 Bhojpuri folk songs that are culturally enriching and meaningful.

Tiwari is known for his passion and extensive research on Bhojpuri folk culture and songs. His journey reportedly began after he met Dr Archer Singh at Indiana University in the United States and was influenced by Hindi and Bhojpuri writer Harishankar Upadhyay. Under Upadhyay’s guidance, Tiwari embarked on a mission to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bhojpuri folk songs by collecting a collection of nearly 25,000 songs from Purvanchal and Bihar.

Speaking to the media, Professor Tiwari revealed that he discovered these folk songs by traveling on foot in Purvanchal. His outstanding work earned him a place in a 1997 compilation of the top 2,000 researchers worldwide.

Importance of Bhojpuri folk songs: Tradition Meets Modernity

Tiwari believes that Bhojpuri folk songs reflect the emotions, seasons and cultural values ​​of the region. He highlights Chhath songs as an example and points out that their commercialization has diminished the emotional depth they once had. “Songs varied with the seasons and Chhath songs were sung with devotion and not with the grandeur seen today,” he says.

Different Lyrics, Same Culture

Despite being an English professor, Tiwari’s passion for Bhojpuri songs stems from his mother tongue. He believes that the emotions expressed in folk songs are universal, only the melody and lyrics differ depending on region and language. He opposes the idea that Bhojpuri songs are obscene in nature. “In Bhojpuri, even an insult is a song and part of the culture. Haldi songs also have deep cultural significance, says Tiwari.

Recognition in Preservation of Bhojpuri Culture

Although a significant part of his collection was tragically lost in a fire, Tiwari still preserves 2,000-3,000 folk songs. In 1993, he was awarded the Sahitya Shodhi Award by the All India Folk Literature Research Institute for his invaluable contributions.

Reflecting on Bhojpur culture, he says: “Bhojpuri songs cannot be obscene unless they inspire someone in the wrong direction. “These songs are tied to the roots of our society.”

Location :

Ghazipur, India