Monday, August 1 2005 18:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Tikamgarh (MP): Anguished over squabbles between her children on government grants, renowned Dhrupad singer Asgari Bai has expressed the desire to return to the State the honours bestowed on her in order to maintain the dignity of the awards.

"My eldest son, Babu, failed to respect me while I am alive. The awards are dear to me and I know what he will do to them after my death", said the 87-year-old Padmashree awarded, undergoing treatment at the district hospital here after the doctors rejected a demand by her family to take her home.

A visibly shattered Asgari bai, broke into tears as she expressed anguish over the behaviour of one of her sons, and accused him of "forcing" her to portray a picture of poverty before media to "garner grants" from government and voluntary organisations.

Meanwhile, her other children alleged that her eldest son Babulal "forged her signatures" and with the help of a bank employee made good with lakhs of Rupees in her pension account over last four to five years.

Her other sons Ashok and Kamal and daughter Parvin and daughter-in-law Saira, have written to the President, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and Bank authorities demanding a probe into the alleged fraud and action against Babulal.

Refuting the allegations, Babulal claimed "the money was withdrawn with the consent of my mother and distributed equally among the family members".

Since the complaints have been made, "I will welcome a probe into the matter to get things clarified," he added.

Asgari Bai, who had started staying with Babulal about 20 years ago, said she was well off with government pensions.

Once a court singer for the erstwhile royal family of Orchha, Asgari Bai had carved out a distinguished position in classical vocal music and was honoured with Padmashri in 1990.

The octogenarian artist was also decorated with the prestigious 'Tansen Samman' by the state government in 1985 and 'sikhar samman' in 1986 for her remarkable contribution to classical music.

While expressing desire to return the awards, the doyenne of classical music said, she wants to move out of the hospital and stay with her daughter Parvin as she was "feeling much better after two months of treatment."

Equally eager to take her home were the artiste's children who felt she would be able to get special and personal attention at home.

However, turning down their requests, civil surgeon Dr Usha Khare said it is not possible to discharge her at present in view of her health conditions.

"I cannot understand why her sons want to take her home. She is yet to recover completely from illness".