Lucknow: A grand and melodious musical evening was organised on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Rai Umanath Bali Auditorium as part of the centenary year celebrations of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. The programme was held jointly under the aegis of the university and the Bhatkhande Alumni Association, drawing music lovers, alumni, faculty members and students in large numbers.
The event began on a devotional note with floral tributes to Goddess Saraswati by Chief Guest Prof. Mandavi Singh, Vice-Chancellor of the university, and Dr. Seema Bhardwaj, President of the Alumni Association. The ceremonial offering set a spiritually uplifting tone for the evening, reflecting the institution’s deep-rooted cultural ethos.
Among those present were Head of the Vocal Department Prof. Srishti Mathur, Head of the Percussion Department Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Assistant Professor (Dance) Dr. Ruchi Khare, faculty members, former students and a large gathering of current students who participated with enthusiasm.
The highlight of the evening was a captivating classical recital by distinguished alumnus Akshat Awasthi. His performance left the audience spellbound with its depth, precision and emotional intensity. He commenced with a vilambit composition in Raag Devgiri Bilawal set to Tilwada taal, presenting “Ae Bana Byahan Aayo.” The expansive alap and measured progression of the composition showcased his command over raga purity and tonal discipline.
He followed this with a chhota khayal in Teentaal, “Maano Zara Ab Maanani,” demonstrating agility in taans and clarity in enunciation. The recital concluded with a soulful Dadra, filling the auditorium with lyrical sweetness and rhythmic vibrancy. His performance was marked by refined voice control, emotive expression and intricate improvisations that resonated deeply with connoisseurs and students alike.
The accompanying artists contributed significantly to the success of the evening. Dinkar Dwivedi on harmonium, Mohit Dubey on tabla and Abhishek Kumar on tanpura provided skilled and balanced accompaniment. Their cohesive and sensitive support elevated the overall presentation, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and technical excellence.
Several prominent members of the Alumni Association, including Secretary Girish Chandra Bahuguna, Joint Secretary Dr. Meera Dixit, Co-Coordinator Alok Kumar Pandey and Coordinator Hemchandra Paliwal, were present at the event along with numerous distinguished alumni and music enthusiasts.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh said that Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya has been continuously striving to carry forward the rich tradition of Indian classical music and arts to the younger generation. She noted that programmes organised during the centenary year not only commemorate the institution’s glorious legacy but also provide students with invaluable opportunities to learn from accomplished artists.
She further remarked that the centenary series serves as an important medium for remembering and strengthening the university’s distinguished musical heritage. Such events, she added, nurture dedication, discipline and a spirit of rigorous practice among students, encouraging them to deepen their musical journey.
The musical evening, held at 3:00 pm, proved to be a memorable addition to the centenary celebrations. It successfully upheld the dignity and grandeur of Indian classical music while fostering meaningful interaction between alumni and current students.
The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the university administration, the Alumni Association and active student participation. Audience members praised the performance as inspiring and artistically enriching, noting that it offered young learners a rare opportunity to experience high-calibre classical music up close.
As part of the ongoing centenary celebrations, the university continues to organise programmes aimed at preserving, promoting and disseminating India’s classical music traditions. The evening not only celebrated the institution’s historic journey but also reaffirmed its commitment to excellence in music education and cultural preservation.
