The historic city of Lucknow witnessed the grand finale of a three-day cultural extravaganza as Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya concluded its centenary celebrations. The event, held at the Kalamandapam on Saturday, was a vibrant tribute to a century of preserving and propagating Indian classical arts.
A Gathering of Dignitaries and Artists
The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of the university's Chancellor and Uttar Pradesh Governor, Anandiben Patel, who served as the chief guest. She was accompanied by Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun. The hall was packed to capacity with students, distinguished alumni, and art enthusiasts, reflecting the institution's deep-rooted connection with the community.
In her address, Governor Patel lauded the university's systematic approach to teaching, practice, and dissemination of Hindustani music. "In the modern era, this institution has played a pioneering role in music education and has earned international fame on the strength of its disciplined tradition and practice," she stated. She highlighted the university's monumental contribution over the past 100 years, having produced a galaxy of artists, including legendary names like Naushad Ali, Talat Mahmood, Dilraj Kaur, Anup Jalota, Malini Awasthi, and many others.
Spectacular Performances Mark the Occasion
The evening transformed into a mesmerizing journey through Indian classical arts with spellbinding performances. Renowned tabla maestro Pandit Sanju Sahai of the Banaras gharana captivated the audience with a complex rendition of 'teen taal' based on a famous 'jogiya' song.
Esteemed Kathak dancer Shovana Narayan presented a powerful narrative through her performance. She depicted the arrival of Lord Krishna on the battlefield of the Mahabharata and movingly portrayed the poignant moment of Draupadi's 'cheerharan' following the Pandavas' defeat in the game of dice.
Adding to the diversity of the evening, Padma Shri Ranjana Gauhar presented an exquisite Odissi performance. She elegantly narrated the story of the Mahabharata hero Arjun's yogic practice and his love for Queen Chitrangada of Manipur.
Honouring Legacy and Looking Forward
The celebrations also included the honoring of winners from various competitions held as part of the centenary festivities. Attendees were treated to a special screening of a short film that chronicled the changing face of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, showcasing its glorious history, academic milestones, and immense cultural contributions to the nation.
The grand finale was a soulful vocal recital by the legendary Hariharan. He enthralled the audience with timeless ghazals, including 'Bekhayali mein chalan us ka bataaya us ko', 'Ranjish ki aabroo hi sahi', and 'Sheher dar sheher', providing a perfect end to a momentous celebration of a century of artistic excellence.
The event not only celebrated a historic milestone but also reinforced the university's enduring mission to nurture and promote India's rich cultural heritage for generations to come.
