Bhagwandas Raikwar: The Unsung Hero Who Revived Bundeli Culture and Martial Art — Padma Shri 2026
India’s deep cultural roots are defined not just by grand temples, epic poetry, or classical music, but also by traditional practices that belong to everyday life and the soil. One such tradition is the age-old Bundeli Akhada and folk custom of combat arts, and at the forefront of its preservation stands Bhagwandas Raikwar — the 83-year-old cultural custodian from Sagar, Madhya Pradesh — recently honored with the Padma Shri Award 2026.
On January 25, 2026, the Government of India announced its list of Padma Award recipients, recognizing exceptional contributions across diverse fields. Among the distinguished names was Bhagwandas Raikwar, selected under the “Unsung Heroes” category — an acknowledgment reserved for individuals who have devoted their lives to social and cultural service without seeking limelight or fame. He has been conferred the Padma Shri in the field of Sports for his extraordinary work in preserving and promoting traditional martial art and cultural heritage of Bundelkhand.
Early Life and Cultural Roots
Bhagwandas Raikwar was born on 2 January 1944 in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh to the late Gorelal Raikwar. Growing up in the historic and culturally vibrant region of Bundelkhand, young Bhagwandas was immersed in traditional values, folk life, and the physical disciplines of the Akhada — a traditional Indian training ground where combat arts, wrestling, and weapon training has been handed down through generations.
From an early age, Raikwar’s life revolved around the rhythms of the Akhada. Over time, he became a dedicated disciple of the Bundeli warrior ethos and developed a deep reverence for the ancient practice of martial arts which were once integral to daily life but gradually began fading in the face of modernization and urbanization.
A Life Dedicated to Preservation
Raikwar’s journey was far from conventional. After initially securing a bank job, he found that his routine responsibilities conflicted with his passion and commitment to the Akhada tradition. In 1982, he made the courageous decision to leave his employment and devote himself entirely to the preservation, practice, and dissemination of Bundeli martial arts and culture.
This decision marked the beginning of a lifetime of service oriented not toward personal gain, but toward cultural preservation. Raikwar believed that traditional martial arts like lathi (staff), spear (bhala), sword (talwar), shield (dhaal), trident (trishul), and battle-axe (farsa) were more than mere combat forms — they embodied the spirit of discipline, courage, resilience, and moral values that Bundeli tradition cherished.
The Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Akhada: A Cultural Hub
Using his limited resources and boundless determination, Bhagwandas Raikwar established the Shri Chhatrasal Bundelkhand Akhada in 1964, a training center named to honor the legacy of Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela, a historic warrior-king renowned for his valor and resistance against invaders centuries ago. (Wikipedia)
At this Akhada, Raikwar became more than a teacher — he became a custodian of cultural memory. Generations of students trained under his guidance, receiving instruction not only in martial techniques but also in discipline, history, arts, values, physical fitness, and community spirit. Under his leadership, the Akhada evolved into a hub of cultural and physical training, where youth learned to harness strength and self-control while appreciating their heritage.
Lifelong Training and Impact
Over six decades, Raikwar trained over a thousand students in traditional weapons and combat disciplines. He took persistent efforts to keep alive not just the martial elements but also the broader folk arts of Bundelkhand, including music, dance, and indigenous games like kabaddi, integrating cultural education with physical training.
His dedication extended far beyond the walls of his home district. Through exhibitions, performances, and demonstrations, Raikwar brought Bundeli martial art to major cultural platforms across India. His troupe participated in national and international festivals, including the Mahakumbh, traditional fairs, theatre festivals and cultural gatherings, introducing wider audiences to the vibrancy and depth of Bundeli heritage.
Recognition as an Unsung Hero
Described by media and cultural commentators as an “unsung hero”, Raikwar’s life reflects service without self-promotion. He never sought awards, media attention, or institutional support. His focus was purely on serving his community and preserving traditions that were at risk of extinction in an era of fast modernization.
For this unwavering commitment, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri 2026, the country’s fourth highest civilian honor, in the Sports category, acknowledging his contribution to martial arts and cultural preservation. His recognition comes not just as a tribute to his individual work, but as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of grassroots cultural custodians across India.
Legacy and Cultural Revival
Bhagwandas Raikwar’s life work has had a ripple effect across Bundelkhand and beyond. Many of his students have gone on to become teachers themselves, helping to further spread awareness and practice of traditional martial arts and cultural disciplines. Through his efforts, several endangered folk practices have been rejuvenated and infused with new meaning for younger generations.
His recognition as a Padma Shri awardee has sparked pride and enthusiasm throughout Sagar district and the wider Bundeli cultural community, inspiring artists, martial arts practitioners, and heritage-keepers to continue their work. It has also highlighted the significance of native traditions in India’s cultural mosaic, affirming that even the humblest art forms and practitioners deserve national recognition.
Conclusion: A Life of Quiet Revolution
In a world where success is often measured by fame and wealth, Bhagwandas Raikwar’s story stands out as a powerful example of dedication to cultural preservation, humility, and service. His lifelong commitment to teaching, practicing, and preserving Bundeli martial arts and folk traditions exemplifies the essence of a cultural revolution carried out not with fanfare, but through steady, persistent devotion.
The Padma Shri Award 2026 not only honors his personal journey, but also the deep legacy of Bundelkhand’s cultural heritage — a legacy that Raikwar upheld with unwavering faith, discipline, and love.
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