Despite our patriarchal society, it is inspiring how so many women refuse to bow down to a regressive mindset. They keep fighting against the social norms to create a life of dignity, success, and happiness.
One such woman is Sapera (or Kalbelia) dancer Gulabo, who fought the patriarchal mindset since her birth. Her life story is filled with many highs and lows. And, her undying attitude to make the world a better place through her art makes her no less than a real hero.
Her Birth Struggle That Defined Her Spirit Of Courage
Born in the patriarchal landscape of Rajasthan, Gulabo, being a baby girl was buried alive. While sharing the details how the society attempted to kill her when she was less-than-one-day-old, she mentioned:
“I was buried alive for nearly seven hours before my mother and aunt dug my grave and pulled me out after hearing my incessant cries. I do not know if it was the grass covering the soil that helped me breathe or simply a fighting spirit that gave a less-than-one-day-old baby from Ajmer’s Kotda village the strength. But I refused to give up on myself,”
Unfortunately, when Gulabo was born, her father was out of the station. But as soon as he returned, he came to know about the horrific incident. He called out the people of his community, who caused such a cruel treatment to his newborn baby. But his fight for equality angered his village heads, who as a punishment ostracized the family.
But hardly these people knew that the girl whom they wanted to kill will bring so much fame to their village. One day, she would not only be famous in the country but also in the world. She would come to be known as Gulabo – the sensational Sapera (or Kalbelia) dancer from Pushkar.
Her Journey Of Creating Her Brand As Sapera Dancer
Being a sapera or a snake charmer, her father would roam around the village with a basket of snakes to put up various performances. And, when Gulabo was barely six months old, her father started taking her on his performances.
Without putting any effort, Gulabo would copy the movements of snakes during the performance. And in this way, she learned twirls and flexibility that later became the base of her brand of sapera dance.
From Abuse To Applause
Over the years, Gulabo mastered her skill and participated in various functions organized by the government. Because of her talent, she even got an opportunity to be a part of the government’s contingent traveling to Washington D.C. for a show in 1985. when she returned back, most of the newspapers covered the story of how a sapera’s daughter made India proud in the USA.
While sharing how the same people who once humiliated her now welcomed her with open arms, she mentioned:
“Women from our sapera community in Jaipur visited my house and insisted that I teach their daughters this dance. I was also flooded with calls from my native village, and people told me how proud they were. I could not believe that my art form was gradually eliminating the differences,” she recalls.
Performing on the international stage was the turning point of Gulabo’s life and there has been no looking back since.
ALSO READ: This Bindass Naani Earned Her First Salary At 72 & Now Runs Her Own Business
In 2016, for her outstanding contribution to India’s folk dance culture, Gulabo was bestowed with India’s fourth-highest civilian award, Padma Shri.
Recalling how her first dance performance in Pushkar Mela at age of 10, gave her a fresh identity, she recalled:
“I still remember people clapping in appreciation and astonishment after seeing my first performance. I failed to understand why they gathered around, took a few minutes out of their lives to see me but I felt very special. For the first time, I was not judged for belonging to a lower caste or being a girl. Dance gave me a fresh identity,”
From running a dance school in Denmark to expand her legacy internationally, Gulabo also imparts free lessons to girls from rural areas of Rajasthan. She is also planning to open a dance school in Ajmer. She is helping sapera dancers financially, who are out of work due to pandemic. It is amazing how Gulabo is leaving no stone unturned in making a world a better place through her art.
ALSO READ: Child-Bride To Owner Of Multi-million Dollar Company, Kalpana Is An Inspiration For Those Struggling With Life
Despite society’s regressive mindset, Gulabo has inspired many young minds through her difficult yet inspiring struggle. But she hasn’t been alone on this journey. She is blessed with supportive family members who have stood by her at all times.
“In the initial days, my husband, Sohanath (a city-based classical singer and harmonium player) would visit gymkhanas, offices of private organisers and event management companies as my agent. His enthusiasm and respect for my work have played an instrumental role in raising awareness about this dance. My children have also learnt this dance and are now teaching others. Finally, I owe everything to my parents who believed I was born to do great things,” says Gulabo.
