Lucknow: A five-day intensive Kathak workshop organized under the Chair established in the sacred memory of Pandit Birju Maharaj concluded successfully at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow. The workshop was held at the university’s Kala Mandapam Auditorium in a dignified and inspiring atmosphere.
The objective of the workshop was to provide in-depth training to students and research scholars in Kathak’s rich tradition, technical precision, expressive depth (abhinaya), and research-oriented perspectives. Over five days, participants engaged in rigorous theoretical discussions and practical sessions designed to strengthen both performance skills and scholarly understanding.
Distinguished Presence on the Valedictory Day
The concluding session was graced by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh, senior guru Pandit Ram Mohan Maharaj, expert Pandit Asim Bandhu Bhattacharya, and Assistant Professors of Kathak Dr. Ruchi Khare, Dr. Manjula Pant, along with guest faculty Dr. Prerna Rana.
During the session, Dr. Ruchi Khare engaged in a detailed dialogue with Pandit Asim Bandhu Bhattacharya on the technical aspects of Kathak. The expert provided comprehensive guidance, interacting directly with students and clarifying intricate elements of the dance form.
Intensive Training and Final Presentations
Throughout the workshop, students received training in various components of Kathak, including expressions of seasonal moods (ritu bhava), pure dance compositions (nritta), rhythmic play (layakari), aamad, tihai, tukde, uthaan, and chakkars (spins). The concluding day featured captivating performances by the participants, who showcased the techniques and compositions they had mastered during the training.
Pandit Asim Bandhu Bhattacharya elaborated on the subtle nuances of Kathak through practical demonstrations, emphasizing expression, aesthetic sensibility, and stage presence. He encouraged students and research scholars to develop a balanced approach combining technical excellence, aesthetic understanding, and research-based inquiry.
The audience, including faculty members, scholars, and invited guests, warmly appreciated the students’ refined and confident performances.
Commitment to Cultural and Academic Excellence
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh expressed gratitude to Pandit Asim Bandhu Bhattacharya for his valuable contribution. She remarked that Kathak is not merely a dance form but a powerful medium of India’s cultural consciousness, aesthetic heritage, and spiritual expression. Such initiatives, she noted, connect students with their rich traditions and inspire them to strive for artistic excellence.
Registrar Dr. Srishti Dhawan stated that under the Chair established in memory of Pandit Birju Maharaj, the university will continue to organize lectures, seminars, workshops, music and dance recitals, and research-oriented programs throughout the year. These initiatives aim to strengthen music and dance education, promote research, and foster meaningful cultural engagement.
At the conclusion of the workshop, students and research scholars described the training as highly enriching, inspiring, and academically valuable. They expressed gratitude to the university and hoped for the continued organization of such programs in the future.
The successful completion of the five-day Kathak workshop reaffirmed Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya’s dedication to preserving and promoting India’s classical dance heritage while nurturing the next generation of performers and scholars.
