He rediscovered the rare musical instrument Kinnar. The Government of India recognizes that contribution. Two years ago in 2022, he was awarded the state honor ‘Padma Shri’. He received a financial reward of Rs. But surprisingly, now the artist spends his days working as a construction worker!
His name is Darshanam Magulaiya. He is from Telangana state of India. In the space of two years, the picture of his tragic end has emerged in a report of the Times of India. It shows that 73-year-old Darshanam is working as a construction worker at a place called Turkayamjal near Hyderabad.
About falling into such dire financial crisis, Darshanam said, ‘One of my sons is very ill. It takes at least 7 thousand rupees a month for her and my Oshud. Besides, there is the cost of regular examinations.’
Darshanam said that he has 9 children. Among them, three children died. Married three, and the remaining three are still with him. The burden of looking after them is also on him. As a result, he chose to work as a day laborer to meet the family expenses. He commented, ‘I have gone to many for work. They sympathized with me, then politely returned it. Everyone congratulated me for my award (Padma Shri), also gave me some money. But I didn’t get a job from anyone.’
The question may arise, how did the one crore rupees of the prize end so quickly? In this regard, Darshanam said, ‘I married my children with that money. Bought a place, also started work on a house there. But had to stop in the middle. Because the money has run out.’
After receiving the Padma Shri, Darshanam Mogulaiah was getting a pension of Rs 10,000 per month from the government. But in recent times that too has become irregular. Due to which the artist is in more trouble. Not only that, the government was supposed to give him a plot of 600 square feet. He said that he has not received that yet.
1 09beu0997u09c1 u09b2u09beu0987u09dfu09be“}”> Expressing regret, Darshanam said, ‘I have made many rounds in government offices, met people’s representatives for help. Everyone respects, but no one cooperates. What is worse is that many people take pictures with me and say that I am begging. It is very painful.’
Finally, Darshanam also met Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy. He sent him to Minister Konda Surekha. Darshanam commented, ‘They promised me that they will look into my matter. Now I am waiting for their decision.
It may be noted that Darshanam Moghulaya’s ancestors were skilled in playing the kinnar. His father made a kinnar of 9 strings. But he was the first artist to make and play a 12-string kinnar.
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