PM Modi meets Padma Shri awardee Parshuram Komaji Khune

During his recent visit to Maharashtra’s Chandrapur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Padma Shri awardee Parshuram Komaji Khune and commended his efforts in uplifting tribal communities through drama and folk art. PM Modi praised Khune’s work for its significant impact on culture and social awareness.

A post on PM Modi’s official X handle stated, “In Chandrapur yesterday, I was glad to have met Dr. Parshuram Komaji Khune, who was honoured with the Padma Shri last year. His remarkable work, leveraging drama and folk art to uplift tribal communities, has earned him widespread respect. His efforts have helped boost culture and encourage social awareness.”

Parshuram Komaji Khune, a renowned theatre artist from Maharashtra’s Zadipatti, is often referred to as ‘Vidarbhacha Dada Kondke’ (Dada Kondke of Vidarbha) due to his popularity in the region. He has portrayed over 800 roles in more than 5,000 plays, including notable performances in ‘Singacha Chaava’, ‘Swargavar Swari’, ‘Lagna Nachi Bedi’, ‘Ech Paala’, ‘Mary’s Ghosts’, and ‘Lavani Bhulli Abhangala’.

Khune has been recognized for his contributions in various fields. He received the Shetinishta Puraskar in 1991 from the Government of Maharashtra for his innovations in agriculture, and the Sunil Bhawasar Puraskaar in 1992 for his Juggler’s show. In 1993, he was honored with the Kala Gaurav Puraskar, and in 1994, he was awarded by the District Administration for his participation in the Akhil Bhartiya Nehru Yuwa Kendra, Madras.

Further accolades include the Smita Patil Smruti Puraskar in 1996 for Manav Mandir, Nagpur, and the Kala Dan Puraskar by the Government of Maharashtra in 2012 for his contributions to the field of drama art.