Sharda Sinha’s Son Advocates Posthumous Padma Vibhushan Award for Legendary Folk Singer | – Times of India
Patna: A day after ‘Bihar Kokila’ Sharda Sinha breathed her last on Tuesday, her son expressed a desire that the legendary folk singer be awarded with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan, the second-highest civilian honour, posthumously.
Speaking to a section of media representatives at his residence in Rajendra Nagar here, Anshuman Sinha emphasized the far-reaching impact of his mother’s artistic contributions that transcended national boundaries.
“My mother did a lot, and her fame extended well beyond the country. We do not have any grievances or demands as such. But we have always felt that she should have got Padma Vibhushan,” said the bereaved son. Sinha was awarded Padma Shri in 1991 and Padma Bhushan, the country’s third-highest civilian award, in 2018.
“We are aware that the Union govt can bestow honours upon people after death. If Padma Vibhushan is conferred upon my mother posthumously, it will bring happiness to her millions of admirers,” Anshuman said.
Known as the ‘Bihar Kokila’, Sharda Sinha’s legacy is particularly associated with her soul-stirring Chhath songs. Poignantly, her funeral coincides with this significant festival, with her last rites scheduled at Patna’s Gulbi Ghat on the bank of Ganga river on Thursday, when lakhs of people will pay obeisance to the setting sun at different other ghats in the city.
Anshuman revealed that his mother’s final recording was a Bhojpuri bhajan, a prayer to Chhathi Maiya, reflecting her lifelong devotion to the festival. “Both in life and death, she maintained a profound connection with Chhath mahaparv,” he said.
Recounting her final days in AIIMS-Delhi, Anshuman shared how she fought bravely against her illness. “She seemed to sense the approaching end before requiring ventilator support, preparing my sister Vandana and me for life without her,” he remembered solemnly.
Her passing away comes shortly after the death of her husband Brajkishore Sinha from a brain haemorrhage in September 2024. They had got married in 1970.
“If the government considers conferring the Padma Vibhushan posthumously, it would bring immense joy to her countless admirers,” Anshuman said, noting that posthumous civilian honours are within government protocols.
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Following the passing of renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, known as ‘Bihar Kokila,’ her son has expressed his wish for her to be posthumously awarded the Padma Vibhushan. He highlighted her significant contributions to Indian music, which earned her recognition both nationally and internationally.
Legendary Bihari singer Sharda Sinha, fondly remembered as ‘Bihar Kokila,’ has passed away at 72. Hospitalized and on ventilator support for several days, her health deteriorated following the passing of her husband in September. Known for her contributions to folk music and culture, particularly her iconic Chhath and wedding songs, her legacy will continue to resonate.
