Haji Ramakdu, legendary folk musician from Junagadh, Gujarat

Mir Haji Kasam, popularly known as “Haji Ramakdu,” legendary folk musician from Junagadh, Gujarat, will be honoured with the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to Gujarati traditional music, mastery of the dholak, and global preservation of India’s intangible cultural heritage.Celebrated for an artistic journey spanning more than six decades, he dedicated his life to carrying regional music to international audiences across the globe and mentoring the next generation of artists free of cost. He is revered for his selfless humanitarian commitment, having conducted thousands of charity programs for social causes and cow shelters at the grassroots level.#PeoplesPadma #PadmaAwards2026