Padma Shri Malini Awasthi’s soulful performance marks Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi’s Foundation Day celebrations
Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that India’s folk traditions and cultural heritage form the true strength of its cultural identity, emphasising the need to preserve traditional art forms, music and indigenous instruments for future generations.
Addressing the foundation day celebrations of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi at Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium in Lucknow, the Chief Minister said Uttar Pradesh has a rich legacy of folk arts that represents the collective memories and cultural heritage of its people.
He cited Braj’s Raslila and Sankirtan, Awadh’s Ramlila, Purvanchal’s Birha, Kajri and Sohar, and Bundelkhand’s Alha and Rai as important expressions of the state’s cultural diversity.
“These are not merely folk art forms but invaluable treasures of our collective memory and cultural heritage,” Yogi said. He added that preserving India’s heritage was an important part of the vision of a developed India.
The Chief Minister also stressed the need to protect endangered traditional musical instruments, describing their preservation as a significant contribution to the artistic community and future generations.
Referring to India’s cultural continuity, he said several civilisations across the world had disappeared, but India had retained its identity because of its rich Sanatan cultural traditions, which had been passed down through generations through folk art and cultural practices.
He further observed that yoga, Ayurveda, Indian music, dance and traditional arts were increasingly contributing to India’s global identity and soft power. He said that over the past nine-and-a-half years, Uttar Pradesh had worked towards translating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision into reality through development initiatives and cultural revival.
The event, titled ‘Dharohar’, was organised by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi under the state’s Department of Culture to mark the institution’s foundation day. The Akademi was established on November 13, 1963.
The inaugural session began with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Additional Chief Secretary of the Culture Department Amrit Abhijat, Akademi Chairman Prof. Jayant Khot, Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh and Director Raj Kumar.
The Chief Minister was felicitated with a memento, an angavastram and a bouquet. Prof. Khot welcomed the guests and highlighted the Akademi’s achievements over its 63-year journey, while also drawing attention to the institution’s requirements.
Malini Awasthi’s performance captivates audience
The musical highlight of the evening was a performance by Padma Shri awardee and renowned folk singer Malini Awasthi. She enthralled the audience with several popular compositions, including the traditional Awadhi Sohar ‘Sohar Baajat Awadh Ma Baje Badhaiya’.
Her performance brought the auditorium alive, with the audience responding enthusiastically to her renditions. The programme also featured performances by winners of the state-level music competition.
The instrumental ensemble presented a series of classical performances featuring Shivansh Singh on Vichitra Veena, Anshul Tukwar on Sarangi, Soham Mishra on Tabla, Vaibhav Ramdas on Pakhawaj and Arthav Pratap Singh on flute.
The young performers received appreciation for their presentation of Raag Yaman, including a Drut Laya Chhota Khayal. They also performed the popular devotional composition ‘Payo Ji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo’.
Another memorable moment came with their rendition of the favourite song ‘Chandni Chhipi Chhipi Jaiho Atariya’, which drew prolonged applause from the audience.
Exhibitions highlight Uttar Pradesh’s artistic heritage
A series of exhibitions showcasing the state’s cultural and artistic wealth formed another major attraction of the celebrations.
The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi organised exhibitions on endangered musical instruments and the various musical gharanas of Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh State Lalit Kala Akademi presented a painting and rangoli exhibition, while the Uttar Pradesh State Museum and the Directorate of Archaeology also displayed collections highlighting the state’s heritage.
The Kathak Kendra troupe presented Vande Mataram during the programme. A documentary tracing the 63-year journey and achievements of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi was also screened.
The foundation day celebrations were conducted under the guidance of Culture and Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh and the leadership of Akademi Chairman Prof. Jayant Khot, Vice-Chairperson Vibha Singh and Director Raj Kumar.
The programme was hosted by Alka Nivedan, while Vibha Singh proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=RtToJsBhYBatUrym&v=mOuYNSdhjHA&feature=youtu.be
