Renowned folk singer and Padma Shree awardee Sukri Bommagowda died at her home in Badageri village in Uttara Kannada district on Thursday this week. Popularly known as Sukrajji, the artist received medical care at Manipal Hospital during the last days leading up to her death.
Hailing from the Halakki community, Sukrajji was often described as a ‘Walking Encyclopedia’ because of her unparalleled contribution to preserving folk tradition. She had memorised nearly 5000 folk songs during her lifetime and helped in their cultural documentation. In the 1980s, the Indian government’s radio broadcasting channel Akashvani recorded hundreds of her songs, thereby providing her with a deserved legacy future generations could gain from.
At the age of 16, Sukrajji became a widow after losing her husband, Bommagowda, to alcohol addiction. His death profoundly affected Sukrajji, who started to lead social awareness initiatives within her community thereafter.
Sukrajji’s Contributions
Her contributions were well recognised by the country in 2017 when she was awarded Padma Shree for her folk songs and documentation of her culture. Sukhraj is also a recipient of the Rajyotsava Award and the Nadoja Award.
On the demise, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah offered condolences and called her death an “irreparable loss to the cultural world”. Sukraji led folk songs to the international level. Alongside, she also participated in social movements, particularly the anti-alcohol campaign. Often, school children visited her as part of educational tours.
Her relative, Manjunath Gowda, told the media about her message of a sustainable life, “Live a simple life without harming anyone and nature.”
