Legendary Kathak dancer Pandit Birju Maharaj passes away at 83

Pandit Birju Maharaj, a legendary Kathak maestro, passed away on January 17, 2022, at the age of 83. Reportedly, Birju Maharaj suffered a heart attack in the wee hours of Monday. The unfortunate news of his demise was also shared by his grandson Swaransh Mishra on his social media.

Pandit Birju Maharaj, apart from being a renowned Kathak Dancer, was also a well-known classical singer and had lent his voice to various films. Birju Maharaj was also honoured by the Government of India with the country’s second-highest Civilian Award, Padma Vibhushan in 1986 for his remarkable contribution.

Prime Minister Modi, via Twitter, paid his condolences to the Kathak maestro and said that his death is an ‘irreparable loss’ to the entire art world.

Social Activist Shanti Devi passes away at 88

Padma Shree awardee and noted social activist Shanti Devi passed away at the age of 88 in Odisha. She complained of chest pain and became unconscious. Shanti Devi was taken to the hospital where she was declared dead upon arrival. Shanti Devi is known for her work on the development and education of tribal girls. She had also set up an ashram for the leprosy patients in the Rayagada district. Shanti Devi, for the most part of her life, worked for the all-around development of the tribal girl children, including the rehabilitation, education and vocational training of the orphans and destitute children. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Modi as well as other personalities condoled her demise and prayed for her departed soul.