Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi (UPSNA) celebrated its Foundation Day with “Dharohar”, a grand musical evening that brought together two of India’s most distinguished maestros — Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar from Mumbai and Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar from Pune. The auditorium at the Akademi’s Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj complex resonated with soulful flute renditions and classical vocal magic, leaving the audience spellbound.
The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp, followed by a formal welcome of UPSNA Chairperson Prof. Jayant Khot and Vice Chairperson Vibha Singh by Director Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, who presented bouquets, shawls, and mementos.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Khot highlighted the Akademi’s six-decade-long journey since its establishment on 13 November 1963. “For 62 years, the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi has been nurturing young talents across vocal, instrumental, and dance traditions while also contributing significantly to theatre and cultural preservation,” he said. “Events like Dharohar serve as an inspiration for emerging artists and strengthen the cultural legacy of our state.”
Anchored gracefully by Alka Nivedan, the evening opened with Padma Shri Ronu Majumdar’s enchanting flute recital. Performing Raag Jhinjhoti, he began with a soulful alaap, gradually progressing into jor and jhala, captivating the connoisseurs present. His performance in Rupak taal was marked by emotive depth and melodic precision. He was accompanied on flute by Arthav Pratap Singh, who received special blessings from the maestro, while Sapna Anjaria provided adept support on tabla.
The musical journey continued with Pt. Raghunandan Panshikar, one of India’s leading vocalists from the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. Opening with Raag Yaman, he paid tribute to his guru, the legendary Kishori Amonkar, by rendering her immortal composition “Mo Man Lagan Lagi”. He followed it with the traditional drut bandish “Ae Ri Aali Piya Bin”, showcasing his intricate taans and emotive delivery. The performance concluded with a devotional offering — “Baje Re Muralia Baje”, a bhajan popularized by Pt. Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar — earning a standing ovation.
Accompanying him were Kshitij Singh on harmonium and Vinod Lele on tabla, with Rajpal Singh and Aparna Panshikar providing vocal and tanpura support.
The event was graced by several distinguished guests including Prof. Sahitya Kumar Nahar, former Vice-Chancellor of Raja Mansingh Tomar Music and Arts University, Gwalior; Dr. Kumkum Dhar, Chairperson of Birju Maharaj Kathak Sansthan; Mithilesh Tiwari, Vice Chairperson; former IAS officer Anita Bhatnagar Jain; and senior vocalist Padma Gidwani, among others.
“Dharohar truly lived up to its name — a celebration of heritage and artistry that bridges generations,” said one of the attendees. The evening reaffirmed Lucknow’s place as a thriving hub of classical music, where tradition continues to inspire the contemporary cultural landscape.
