Lucknow: The second day of the 19th Sharngadev Mahotsav, jointly organised by Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow and Mahagami Gurukul Kala evam Shodh Sansthan, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Maharashtra), was held under the Chair established in memory of Padma Vibhushan Pt. Birju Maharaj. The day unfolded in a dignified and intellectually enriching atmosphere, highlighting the depth of Indian classical music and dance traditions.
The inaugural session of the day, titled “Sharngadev Prasang”, was graced by the presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh, former Vice-Chancellor Prof. Poornima Pandey, Chairperson of Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan Kumkum Dhar, Director of Mahagami Gurukul Parvati Dutta, renowned Dhrupad vocalist Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, along with Heads of Departments Prof. Srishti Mathur, Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Gyanendra Datt Bajpai, and Assistant Professor Dr. Ruchi Khare, among others.
The first session featured applied lectures focused on the rich traditions of classical music and dance. Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar and Parvati Dutta presented an insightful lecture on the Dhrupadangi tradition of Kathak, while Padma Shri Darshana Jhaveri delivered a scholarly presentation on the Manipuri dance tradition and concepts from the Sangeet Ratnakar. Engaging directly with dancers, students, and scholars from Lucknow, the artists offered in-depth explanations of the applied and theoretical aspects of their subjects.
During the second session, research scholars and students from the university and other institutions presented high-quality research papers on the classical, technical, and aesthetic dimensions of music and dance. Renowned academic Dr. Chetna Jyotishi Vyohar joined the session virtually as an expert, offering thought-provoking observations and facilitating meaningful academic discussion, further enriching the scholarly environment.
The third session, “Sharngadev Samaroh”, featured a series of cultural performances at the university’s Kala Mandapam Auditorium. Parvati Dutta and her ensemble presented a powerful performance of Dhrupadangi Kathak. This was followed by a Bharatanatyam performance by Gyanendra Datt Bajpai, Head of the Dance Department, and Kathak solo presentations by Assistant Professor Dr. Ruchi Khare and university student Vallari Narayan Pathak, all of which were warmly appreciated by the audience.
The primary objective of the festival is to familiarise students and research scholars with the rich heritage of Indian classical music and Kathak dance, deepen their understanding of musical techniques, and highlight the artistic legacy, life values, and cultural contributions of eminent maestros. The festival also seeks to extend this cultural heritage to a wider section of society.
Under the Pt. Birju Maharaj Memorial Chair, the university will continue to organise lectures, seminars, workshops, performances, and research-oriented programmes throughout the year, strengthening music education, research, and social engagement.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh stated that Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya will continue to organise such social, cultural, and academic programmes in the future, dedicated to connecting students, scholars, and society while preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage.
