Gokul Chandra Das

Gokul Chandra Das
Das receiving the Padma Shri Award in 2025
Das receiving the Padma Shri Award in 2025
Background information
Born
North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, India
InstrumentDhak
AwardPadma Shri (2025)
Websitewww.gokuldhaki.in

Gokul Chandra Das is an Indian folk percussionist known for his expertise in playing the dhak, a traditional Bengali drum. He is widely credited with popularizing the art form globally and for empowering women through music. In 2025, he became the first dhaki (dhak player) to receive the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian award, for his contributions to the performing arts.

Career

Das comes from a family of traditional drummers living in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal. He began playing the dhak at a young age. Over the years, he developed a distinctive style that blended classical rhythm with folk tradition. His performances have been appreciated both nationally and internationally, earning praise from musicians such as Ravi Shankar and Zakir Hussain.

Contributions

In addition to preserving and promoting dhak traditions, Das is recognized for his efforts in social empowerment. He has trained over 150 women to become professional dhakis and consequently promoting financial independence in rural Bengal. Dhakis are traditionally men.

Awards and accolades

Das has performed in major festivals across India and has represented Indian folk culture on global platforms. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2025.

See also

References

  1. ↑ "I am the first Padma Shri-winning dhaki player: Gokul Chandra Das". The Times of India. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  2. ↑ "On Padma Shri list: Folk artistes, health experts". The Indian Express. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  3. ↑ "Padma Awards 2025 announced". Press Information Bureau. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 25 January 2025. Retrieved 7 June 2025.
  4. ↑ "Padma Awards 2025 – Notifications" (PDF). Padma Awards (Official). Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. 28 April 2025. Retrieved 8 June 2025.
  5. ↑ "I am the first Padma Shri-winning dhaki player: Gokul Chandra Das". MSN. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  6. ↑ "His beats wowed Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain: Gokul Chandra Das, first dhaaki to win Padma award". The Telegraph. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  7. ↑ "Padma Shri Award 2025 Winner Gokul Chandra Das - Exclusive Interview". ETV Bharat. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  8. ↑ "Padma Shri Gokul Chandra Das: The Man Who Ended Gender Bias In Dhak Beats". Ommcom News. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  9. ↑ "How a Padma Awardee's Dhaak Has Given Strength To 150 Women In This Bengal Hamlet". The Better India (Hindi). Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  10. ↑ "Gokul Chandra Das made 150 women self-reliant in the field of Dhak". Sanmarg. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  11. ↑ "Dhaki Samrat Gokul Chandra Das: From village beats to Padma Shri". The Indian Express. 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  12. ↑ "Padma Shri Awards 2025: From Goa's freedom fighter to empowering women in Dhak in WB, 30 unsung heroes recognised". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  13. ↑ "Gokul Chandra Das from North 24 Parganas to receive Padma Shri award". News18 Bengali. Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  14. ↑ "পদ্মা অ্যাওয়ার্ডস‑২০২৫: উত্তর ২৪ পরগনার বাসিন্দা গোকুল চন্দ্র দাস পেলেন পদ্মশ্রী". ABP Live বাংলা (in Bengali). 26 January 2025. Retrieved 17 June 2025.