Musafir Ram Bhardwaj

Musafir Ram Bhardwaj is a player of the musical instrument Paun Mata from Himachal Pradesh, India. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2014.

He born in 1930 to Deewana Ram at Sunchai village, Bharmour area in Chamba district, Himachal Peadesh, India. He had no formal education. He learned playing Pauna Mata from his father at the age of 13, and has played ever since. He performed at 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. He is also an agriculturist and tailor. He has four sons and two daughters.

Paun Mata

Paun Mata is a traditional music instrument made of copper drum and lamb’s skin. Bhardwaj family have been playing it for generations and they are invited to play during religious and social ceremonies in Himachal Pradesh.

• Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award in India, in 2014
• Lifetime Achievement Award 2013 by Divya Himachal
• Rashtrapati Award in 2009