Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak honoured 51 distinguished artists selected for the years 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 with the prestigious Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards. The artists were recognised for their outstanding contributions to music, dance, theatre and folk arts, as well as for their dedicated efforts in preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The award ceremony celebrated the invaluable role played by artists in safeguarding traditional art forms and strengthening India’s cultural identity. On the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak read out a message from Governor Anandiben Patel, who congratulated the awardees and praised their efforts in keeping the nation’s cultural legacy vibrant and relevant for future generations.
In her message, the Governor described art as both a treasured inheritance from the past and an inspiration for the future. She said that folk music, instrumental traditions, theatre, literature and performing arts serve as vital expressions of society’s values, emotions and collective consciousness. Artists, she noted, are the true custodians of cultural heritage.
The Governor emphasized that art is not merely a source of entertainment but a powerful medium for moral, cultural and spiritual upliftment. She expressed concern over the gradual decline in interest among younger generations towards traditional folk arts amid rapid technological advancement and changing lifestyles. Stressing the need to preserve these traditions, she called upon society to treat cultural conservation as a collective responsibility.
Appreciating the work of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, the Governor highlighted its extensive efforts in documenting and preserving folk traditions. She noted that the Akademi has archived over 5,500 hours of rare audio and video recordings and continues to organise theatre festivals, cultural events and talent promotion programmes. She also referred to initiatives such as ‘Naman’, dedicated to Kathak maestro Lachhu Maharaj, ‘Yaadein’, focused on the ghazal tradition, and ‘Dharohar’, organised on the Akademi’s foundation day.
The Governor further stressed the importance of integrating folk arts, music and dance into educational institutions to ensure that younger generations remain connected to their cultural roots. She also highlighted training programmes in classical and folk arts being conducted for girls residing in state-run homes under the POCSO Act framework, aimed at boosting their confidence and personal development.
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak congratulated the award recipients and described India as a global centre of culture, spirituality, knowledge and human values. He said artists play a crucial role in preserving the nation’s cultural consciousness through folk arts, music and traditional practices.
Pathak noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have consistently worked towards the preservation, promotion and recognition of artists and traditional art forms. He assured continued government support for folk artists through various welfare and cultural initiatives. He also urged citizens to participate in environmental conservation by planting saplings under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign.
The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Officer on Special Duty to the Governor. Among those present were Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi Chairman Professor Jayant Khot, Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh, Special Secretary (Culture) Sanjay Kumar Singh, Akademi Director Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, eminent artists, cultural practitioners and distinguished guests from across the state.
