It was shocking exit of Noted Folk Artist, Actor, Singer, Writer …. Ambedkarites Late Mr Vithal Umap from this world today at Dikshabhoomi, Nagpur. His last words were “Jaibheem and Jai Buddha”. He was an artist and entire life he lived on stage as an artist far excellence and he departed from the Stage. A true artist and wonderful person. I had quite a few interaction with him. First I met him at a preview show of Movie Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar… the untold truth. I think that was in year 2000 or so. Then We met at the release of Music of the Movie Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar…. Next we met in function at one of five star hotel when the Movie Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar was actually released. Mammuty, Dr Jabbar Patel, Mr Amrish Puri etc where present. Being a person down to earth he was seating in public and not in VIP chairs. He was interacting with people. This was I think in years 2000 or 2001. Then I had just launched my website www.jaibheem.com and I had uploaded text of one of his song on the website. When I told him about website, he was very excited and expressed that he also wanted to set-up his website. I asked him to collect the material, photos and also a write-up on his journey so far. His son was with him. Mr Vithal introduced me to his son and asked him to be in touch with me for development of website. I did followed once or twice for the material but then somehow, I also forgot about development of his website over period due to busy life. I don’t know if he had set-up a website on his work or not or his wish remained unfulfilled.

Meanwhile we met few times in functions but there was no interaction, only just hello.

He recorded more than 1000 songs during his life time. I hope somebody will take efforts and collect his all creations and make it avail to the world through internet.

In fact I was interacting today afternoon over phone with my friend Mr. Ravindra Gaikwad who also happened to be one of the speaker of at the function of launching of 1^st Buddhist Channel “Lord Buddha TV”. Mr Gaikwad was very excited to be on stage with Mr Vithal Umap at Dikasha Bhoomi. The function was earlier planned in October 2010 but was postponed. I don’t know whether Lord Buddha was official launched since the function was aborted / terminated once the news of sad demise of Mr Vithal Umap reached the function. See the tradgey…. The Channel which was supposed to be Lauched at the Hands of Mr Vithal Umap and other guest, the same channel has to release the news and footage of death of the chief guest. It may not be a right beginning in right sense.

Mr Vithal Umap has now become immortal and Ambedkarites will remember him forever. He died on Savidhan Din.

I hope Maharashtra Govt. will take some interest and release his Autobiography “Fu Bai Fu” through Govt. press so that it can reach all the corners of the country. My solute to the great Artist!