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Professor Ramnarayan Tiwari discovered around 25,000 Bhojpuri folk songs by travelling on foot through Purvanchal and Bihar
In 1993, Professor Tiwari was honoured with the Sahitya Shodhi Award by the All India Folk Literature Research Institute for his invaluable contribution. (Local18)
Bhojpuri songs often make headlines, usually in connection with concerns about perceived vulgarity, with many considering them unsuitable for family settings. However, Ramnarayan Tiwari, an English professor from Ghazipur, has challenged this notion by discovering over 20,000 Bhojpuri folk songs that are culturally enriching and meaningful.
Tiwari is known for his passion for, and extensive research into, Bhojpuri folk culture and songs. His journey reportedly began after meeting Dr Archer Singh at Indiana University in the United States and being impressed by Hindi and Bhojpuri author Harishankar Upadhyay. Under Upadhyay’s guidance, Tiwari embarked on a mission to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Bhojpuri folk songs, amassing a collection of around 25,000 songs from Purvanchal and Bihar.
Speaking with the media, Professor Tiwari explained that he discovered these folk songs by travelling on foot through Purvanchal. His remarkable work earned him a place in 1997 in a compilation featuring top 2,000 researchers worldwide.
Importance of Bhojpuri folk songs: Tradition Meets Modernity
Tiwari firmly believes that Bhojpuri folk songs reflect the emotions, seasons, and cultural values of the region. He highlights Chhath songs as an example, pointing out that their commercialisation has reduced the emotional depth they once held. “The songs used to change with the seasons, and Chhath songs were sung with devotion, not with the glamour seen today,” he says.
Different Lyrics, Same Culture
Though 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, with only the tunes and lyrics varying by region and language. He opposes the notion that Bhojpuri songs are inherently obscene. “In Bhojpuri, even insults are a song and part of the culture. Haldi songs also hold deep cultural significance,” Tiwari asserts.
Recognition in Preserving Bhojpuri Culture
Despite a significant portion of his collection being tragically lost to fire, Tiwari still retains 2,000-3,000 folk songs. In 1993, he was honoured with the Sahitya Shodhi Award by the All India Folk Literature Research Institute for his invaluable contribution.
Reflecting on Bhojpur culture, he says: “Bhojpuri songs cannot be obscene unless they inspire someone in the wrong direction. These songs are connected to the roots of our society.”
- Location :
Ghazipur, India
