JAISALMER: The President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, will present the Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri Awards for the year 2026 at the Civil Investiture Ceremony-I being held at Rashtrapati Bhavan on May 25.“Today, the President will confer the Padma Shri award upon Famous Algoza maestro” Jaisalmer resident Taga Ram Bheel.Among the distinguished awardees this year is renowned folk artist Taga Ram Bheel from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, who will be honoured with the Padma Shri for his exceptional contribution to preserving and promoting the traditional folk music of the Thar Desert through the rare musical instrument Algoza.A resident of Moolsagar village in Jaisalmer district, 62-year-old Taga Ram Bheel is widely recognised for keeping the traditional musical heritage of Marudhara alive on the global stage. His mastery over the dual flute instrument, Algoza, has earned him national as well as international acclaim.According to accounts from his early life, Tagaram developed an interest in Algoza during childhood. He would secretly practise the instrument in his father’s absence and had mastered it by the age of 10. At the age of 11, he bought his first Algoza and began performing publicly.His musical journey started with performances at Jaisalmer’s famous Desert Festival in 1981. In 1996, he travelled to France for his first international performance, opening the doors to a global career. Over the years, he has performed in more than 35 countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, Singapore and several African and European nations.Despite gaining worldwide recognition, Tagaram continued to work in mining for his livelihood and remained deeply connected to his roots. Artists and cultural experts credit him with giving a new identity to the rare art of Algoza playing and introducing the rich folk traditions of Rajasthan to international audiences.Apart from being an accomplished performer, Tagaram is also known for crafting Algoza instruments with his own hands. His handmade instruments are said to be in demand among musicians across the world.Artists describe Algoza playing as a true “game of breath”, requiring sustained breathing techniques in which the performer inhales through the nose while continuously expelling air through the mouth to ensure the musical tune remains uninterrupted.Taga Ram Bheel’s Padma Shri recognition is being seen as a proud moment not only for Rajasthan but also for India’s rich folk and tribal musical traditions.
