Who Is Maithili Thakur? Singer Earns PM Modi's Praise For Ram Bhajan

Maithili Thakur, born in Benipatti, Bihar, comes from a musical family. Recognising her talent at 6, her father moved the family to Delhi for better opportunities. Along with her brothers, she learned Maithili Folk and Hindustani classical music. They excelled in competitions at Bal Bhavan International School. Maithili, taught by her grandfather, started singing at 4 and gained attention on shows like Little Champs and Indian Idol Junior. She became a finalist on Rising Star, boosting her internet popularity. She received the Atal Mithila Samman and, along with her brothers, became ambassadors for Madhubani in 2019. 

Maithili's Melody, Ram Temple Stamps, and Ayodhya's Event Readiness

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently commended singer Maithili Thakur from Bihar for her song about Maa Shabri, who, as per the Ramayan, offered half-eaten fruit to Lord Ram during his exile. In a social media post, PM Modi expressed that the Pran Pratishtha event in Ayodhya is bringing back memories of Lord Ram's life, with a special mention of the emotional rendition by Maithili Thakur. Hailing from Benipatti, Bihar, Maithili Thakur is known for her diverse singing in languages like Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Maithili.

अयोध्या में प्राण-प्रतिष्ठा का अवसर देशभर के मेरे परिवारजनों को प्रभु श्री राम के जीवन और आदर्शों से जुड़े एक-एक प्रसंग का स्मरण करा रहा है। ऐसा ही एक भावुक प्रसंग शबरी से जुड़ा है। सुनिए, मैथिली ठाकुर जी ने किस तरह से इसे अपने सुमधुर सुरों में पिरोया है।

#ShriRamBhajan…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 20, 2024

On another note, PM Modi released commemorative postage stamps on the Ram Temple of Ayodhya and a book of stamps dedicated to Lord Ram. The stamps feature designs representing the Ram Temple, the verse Mangal Bhavan Amangal Hari, the sun, the Saryu River, and sculptures around the temple. The six stamps include representations of the Ram Temple, Lord Ganesh, Lord Hanuman, Jatayu, Kevatraj, and Maa Shabri, all key figures associated with Lord Ram's narrative.

Looking ahead to the Pran Pratishtha programme of Ram Mandir on January 22, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized its significance as an opportunity to showcase the state's hospitality culture. The Chief Minister's office urged efforts to make Ayodhya free from single-use plastic in preparation for the expected influx of visitors. Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of counselling police personnel to maintain a positive image for the state during the ceremony.

In a series of tweets, the Chief Minister's office outlined various measures, including coordination with officials and the Air Force for flower showering on the temple and restricting traffic on the old bridge of the Saryu River. Yogi Adityanath urged the active involvement of water police in the Saryu River.