Lucknow– The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Lucknow Chapter, in association with Avadh Girls’ Degree College (AGDC), hosted an engaging panel discussion on “From Palaces to People: Unravelling the Nawabi Literature of Awadh.”
Prof. Nishi Pandey, Manager/Secretary of AGDC, welcomed the guests and inspired students to look beyond textbooks and discover Awadh’s cultural and literary legacy. Prof Bina Rai, Principal, AGDC stressed on nurturing pride in our roots. Prof. Sumna Varshney, Dean of Students, AGDC and INTACH Member coordinated the program.
The panel featured eminent anthropologist and authority on Awadhi culture, Prof. Nadeem Hasnain and celebrated dastango, Dr. Himanshu Bajpai. Moderated by Kanak Rekha Chauhan, a literary critic, the panel discussion explored Nawabi literature’s evolution in Awadh, highlighting its Persian poetic roots, mehfil culture, and rich Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.
Prof. Hasnain emphasized cultural nostalgia as vital for preserving heritage amid political decline, while Dr. Himanshu Bajpai stressed its role in expressing love, loss, and power. Kanak noted the inclusion of music, drama, and Lucknow’s unique Urdu poetry traditions. The shift post-1857 saw literature’s democratization and adoption by wider communities. The discussion underscored re-engaging with these traditions to sustain Lucknow’s composite cultural identity in changing times.
Ashok Singh Thakur, Chairman, INTACH New Delhi, who graced the event as Chief Guest, emphasized the vital role of heritage in shaping Awadh’s identity. He reaffirmed INTACH’s commitment to spearheading heritage preservation and cultural education initiatives ensuring that our monuments, traditions, and stories continue to inspire and unite communities across generations.
Wrapping the session, with her vote of thanks Dr. Neetu Agarwal, Convenor, INTACH Lucknow Chapter noted that “Preserving culture is not just about the past—it’s about enriching the present and illuminating the future with the wisdom of our ancestors.” The discussion drew heritage enthusiasts, scholars, faculty, and students, ending with an interactive Q&A that left the audience inspired to rediscover Awadh’s rich literary heritage, sending them home with stories to share – and a deeper connection to their heritage.
