Boota Shair, A symbol of Pakistani tradition and culture in USA

First time I saw Boota Shir in Punjabi Style long multicolor Kirta and Dhoti in 1997 in Coney Island Avenue , Brooklyn New York beating his colorful dum in an annual Community Meela. Since that time I noticed that no meela , no party and no wedding is complete without him and his drum . Now he became the symbol of Pakistani Culture and tradition. I promised him to document his work and request government of Pakistan to award him for his performance and as a loyal Patriot Pakistani .

Punjabi Drum Master Bota Shair Celebrates Heritage in the Heart of New York.

For three decades, the vibrant beats of Bota Shair Punjabi-style drum have echoed across New York, weaving the rich tapestry of his homeland’s culture into the American mosaic. Known affectionately as “Bota Drumwala,” the artist hails from Gujarat’s Punjab District and has dedicated his life to preserving his roots, even while far from home.

A proud patriot , Bota Shair heads a bustling family of 20, including eight children and numerous grandchildren. Despite humble beginnings, he channeled his efforts into ensuring his children’s education, a commitment that bore remarkable fruit. Today, his offspring excel as engineers, professors, lawyers, educators, and supervisors—a testament to his unwavering dedication.

For Bota, the drum is more than an instrument; it’s a vessel of patriotism. “A nation without its culture is incomplete,” he asserts. Though fluent in English, he deliberately converses in Punjabi abroad, cherishing his linguistic heritage. His passion has even inspired his engineer son, who now shares his father’s love for the drum.

Bota’s artistry has resonated far beyond cultural circles, earning him recognition from global luminaries. During visits to Pakistan, he met political heavyweights like Nawaz Sharif, Pervez Musharraf, and Chaudhry brothers. In the U.S., his rhythms captivated figures such as Bill Clinton and New York mayors Michael Bloomberg, Rudy Giuliani, and Bill de Blasio.

Reflecting on his journey, Bota beams with pride: “My profession fills me with joy. Through honest work, I’ve educated my children, built a home, and raised Pakistan’s name high with every drumbeat.” For him, each rhythm is a tribute to identity, unity, and the enduring spirit of heritage.

He is very popular among Pakistani American and other ethnic communities .
New York Mayor recognized his remarkable traditional work for uniting community and cultural performance .

The government of Pakistan gave up its high Civil Awards to those who do not have any performance but ignored such a great performer raising Pakistan’s Flag , culture and tradition . We request government of Pakistan to list his name and gave him Performance Award .