Satju Kalakar, Jaisalmer - Torch Bearer of Heritage

As the fire from the camp crackled cheerfully spewing embers into the night sky, her heavily embroidered skirt swirled around it. The tiny mirrors catching the light in sparkly flashes. She circled to the rhythm of the song sung by Satju Kalakar. Accompanied by his group of musicians sitting on the cemented podium behind her with their instruments, his voice resonated with earthy emotions. Her hands outstretched on either side twirled with each beat. Soon she was joined by another dancer. Swaying to the music they matched their every step.

Satju, maybe a musician by profession but maybe he does not realise that he is one of those who strives for only one purpose in their lives, upholding our culture and heritage. For him, he is just doing what his father and forefather have been doing for ages and have passed down through generations. But from where I see he is working relentlessly to carry forward the torch of principles taught to him.

India is a blessed country with a rich culture and heritage. Individually we are all proud of our respective culture. But how many of us take up the responsibility to carry it forward at a grander scale?

At a time when the world is racing towards progression, it is people like Satju and his team from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan are struggling to keep their roots intact. Keeping our roots intact. While travelling many of us love to indulge in the cultural aspect of our destination. In the spree of our travelling, we often forget that it is because of these people that culture is actually thriving amongst us. And whenever possible we should and must pay our gratitude to them.

Satju and like are the real torchbearers of our heritage and this is my homage to them.