Lucknow's prestigious Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya embarked on a grand three-day celebration on Thursday, marking a significant milestone: 100 years of nurturing Indian classical arts. The historic campus, adorned with vibrant rose and marigold flowers alongside elegant white and red drapes, buzzed with excitement as students, dressed in traditional suits, sarees, and kurta-pyjamas, captured selfies with teachers and friends.
A Centennial Inauguration Steeped in Tradition
The centenary festivities were formally inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He was joined by Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharakwal and the state's Culture and Tourism Minister, Jaiveer Singh. The event not only celebrated the institution's past but also showcased its vibrant present through a special photo exhibition detailing the university's rich history and its array of prominent alumni.
Expressing the collective sentiment, student Namrata Gautam shared her awe at being part of the historic occasion, stating it was a privilege to witness the university complete a century. Fellow student Aryan Darshit echoed this pride, highlighting the unique opportunity for students to see legendary artists perform live on their campus.
Stage Alight with Maestros and Timeless Melodies
The first day of celebrations transformed into a cultural feast for the senses, featuring some of India's most revered artists. The legendary Pandit Sajan Mishra captivated the audience with soul-stirring renditions of bhajans like 'Kashi ke basaiya' and 'Bhavani dayaani', accompanied by his son, Swaransh Mishra.
Disciples of the iconic classical dancer Sonal Mansingh presented a graceful Bharatanatyam performance, winning hearts with their artistry. The evening reached a patriotic crescendo with Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, who, along with his sons Ayaan Ali Bangash and Amaan Ali Bangash, performed timeless pieces including 'Vande Mataram', 'Vaishnav jan to', and concluded with the inspiring 'Ekla cholo re'.
"This is the experience of a lifetime to see such renowned artists performing live," remarked an enthralled student, Neha Kazi, summing up the day's magical atmosphere.
Leaders Hail a Century of Cultural Stewardship
University Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mandavi Singh, reflected on the institution's foundational mission. She emphasized that for the past 100 years, the university, founded by the great Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, has been instrumental in preserving, promoting, and disseminating the profound traditions of Indian classical music and dance.
Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh drew a beautiful analogy, stating that the cultural seed planted in 1926 has now grown into a mighty banyan tree. He praised the students for enhancing the prestige of Indian art and culture on both national and international platforms, ensuring the legacy planted a century ago continues to flourish.
