Padmashree Godavari Dutt is no more

Raman Kumar Mishra, Madhubani
Padmashree Godavari Dutt (Dai ji) was the recipient of the award or the award itself was considered blessed to fall into her hands. It is impossible to say. The simple life with which Daiji has nurtured her family is an inspiration to the present generation. When the brush moved in her hands and the colours spread, it seemed as if even the inanimate painting came to life. Padmashree Godavari Dutt (Dai ji) has made an invaluable contribution by establishing Madhubani painting at its peak. Far from casteism and untouchability.

Someone should learn from him to respect the artist.
It is approximately 4th December 2022. We were called by Rani Jha, a famous painter from Mithila. Called to Padmashree Godavari Dutt’s residence. I kept asking but it seemed as if Rani Jha had also sworn not to tell us anything before coming to the place. We along with our colleague Nagendra Nath Jha Kalyan reached Godavari Dutt’s (dai ji) residence. Rani Jha had reached there before us. Nanny holding our hand

He brought her closer. It was the first time I had seen Daiji. Sakshad Saraswati seemed to be sitting in front. We touched her feet and received blessings. Right then and there we expressed our heartfelt gratitude to Rani Jha for giving us darshan of this goddess.

After some time, Rani Jha said that the present director of Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan and the second Padmashree Dulari Devi will also come. Some of Daiji’s paintings have to be selected to be kept in the museum. When the time came to select the painting made by Daiji, Kalyan and I sat down. When the family members started taking out the paintings made by Daiji from the trunk and Godrej cupboard, the onlookers were left in tears.

The paintings were placed on the table one by one, Daiji started telling when the painting was made, how much time it took, what was the specialty of the painting. Amazing memory. At the same time Padmashree Dulari Devi had also arrived. Dulari Devi comes from the fishermen community. She stood in front of Dai ji. Maybe she hesitated to sit or she remained standing in front of Padmashree Dulari Devi out of respect for her maid.

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While speaking, suddenly Dai ji’s (Godavari Dutt) eyes fell on Dulari Devi. He held Dulari Devi’s hand and made her sit on the sofa beside him. The words that came out of his mouth after this showed his greatness. After holding her hand, Dai ji told Dulari Devi that you are an artiste like us. You have also received Padma Shri. You sit with us near us. Everyone present felt blessed after seeing two Padmashrees together. Hundreds of salutations to Dai ji. Thanks to Rani Jha for giving us this rare darshan.

The famous Madhubani painter Padmashree Godavari Dutt passed away on Wednesday at her residence in Ranti. Godavari Dutt, 93, was ill for the last few days. According to information received from family sources, she was in a coma. Her kidneys were also damaged. The doctor had responded.

As soon as the news of her demise came out, a wave of mourning spread among art lovers as well as common people. People started arriving at Ranti’s residence to pay their last respects. District Officer Arvind Kumar Verma, SP Sushil Kumar, SDO Ashwini Kumar and other officers also attained her last darshan.

Flowers offered. Padmashree Godavari Dutt was cremated with state honours late in the evening. Son Hemchandra Dutt lit the funeral pyre. A large number of people took part in her final journey.