Sharda Sinha's Health Hits a High Note: Folk Icon on Ventilator, Son Anshuman Shares Update

NEW DELHI, Nov. 5, 2024 : Eminent folk singer Sharda Sinha has been put on ventilator support at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi after there was a sudden decline in her health. The noted Lokgeet artist famous for her contribution to the music of Bhojpuri and Maithili had been suffering from multiple myeloma since 2017.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi called Sharda Sinha's son, Anshuman Sinha, to seek information about the condition of his mother. In a recent telephonic conversation, Modi told him that he was anxious and requested that she get the best treatment. "Make sure she gets robust treatment," Modi reportedly told them, emphasizing the government's support for the distinguished artist.

Anshuman Sinha spoke on the social media rumors that were doing the rounds about his mother's health. He was quite furious over the fact that how false news spreads like anything. "Some people enjoy spreading false news. It should not be done. Until a fact is confirmed, it should not be made public," he said. Anshuman made it clear that people must rely on verified information and asked the public to avoid spreading unverified reports.

Sharda Sinha is one of the most famous voices in the Indian music world and has been constantly participated there since her early life. Born on Oct. 1, 1952, in Hulasā village, Supaul district, Bihar, she developed a passion for music early in life and has since sung hundreds of traditional songs in Bhojpuri, Bajjika, Magahi, and Maithili languages. Among them, mostly songs have been sung about Chhath Puja.

In 2018, Sharda Sinha was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award. She had contributed much to enriching the arts. The traditional song "Ho Dīnāth", a Maithili version of Chhath Puja song, rendered by Sharda Sinha, became a super hit and continues to remain a classic to this date.

Even as her health condition remains unchanged, Sinha continues to connect with the audience. The most recent Chhath song she rendered was recently out in the market. All were appreciative of this latest offering. In it, lines like "Dukhwa mitaain chhathi maiya, rauae aasra hamar" show how she has always remained in touch with folk songs.

Sharda Sinha has been under treatment at AIIMS for the past ten days, during which her oxygen saturation is declining day by day and has to be maintained on the ventilator. The Oncology Department of AIIMS is closely observing her. Other notable leaders who visited her included Central Minister Chirag Paswan, actress Ashwini Chaubey, and politician Ram Nath Thakur.

Anshuman Sinha said, "This time it is a real update. Mother is on ventilator. I have signed the consent. Please keep praying. She is in big fight, a very tough fight. This time, it is very tough. Just pray that she can come out of this. That's what I wish and request everybody to please keep praying," he added, late last night.

Regional and national awards she has received in recognition of her contribution to Indian folk music are Padma Shri, Padma Vibhushan, Bihar Kokila, Bhikhari Thakur Samman, Bihar Gaurav, Bihar Ratna, and Mithila Vibhuti. As the head of the Music Department at Samastipur Women's College, Sinha has guided many brilliant young talents for the preservation and propagation of traditional music.

Her son, Anshuman Sinha, appealed to the public not to believe in the false news circulating about her health: "Please don't spread any false news on social media about my mother's health. We are concentrating on her treatment and recovery. Your prayers and support are much appreciated.

Sharda Sinha will, without doubt, always remain unchallenged in terms of being a stalwart for folk music. Her touch has reached the hearts of millions through her songs; that is what makes her the darling of this age. As she faces this particular health crisis, the whole nation stands together to get her back soon.

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