Centenary Celebrations of Bhatkhande Culture University Inaugurated
Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the state government is fully committed to providing artists with a safe, dignified, and empowering environment. Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the centenary celebrations of Bhatkhande Culture University, Lucknow, the Chief Minister emphasised that artists will continue to receive respect, encouragement, and institutional support from the government.
CM Yogi said the government is working actively for the welfare, health, training, performance platforms, and livelihood opportunities of artists. “Our aim is to ensure that artists feel secure, honoured, and empowered, so that India’s rich cultural traditions continue to flourish,” he said.
Recalling the contribution of Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, the Chief Minister noted that during a time when India was under colonial rule and lacked proper platforms for music and arts, Bhatkhande played a historic role in giving Indian classical music global recognition. He provided a scientific framework, introduced classical discipline and structured curricula, and successfully linked the guru-shishya tradition with modern education systems. CM Yogi said these efforts laid a strong foundation for Indian culture, self-respect, and cultural continuity.
Highlighting the spiritual essence of Indian performing arts, the Chief Minister said that while dancing, one envisions Lord Shiva as Nataraja, while the melody of the veena reflects the presence of Goddess Saraswati. He added that drama reflects the ideals of Lord Ram, and immersion in rasa evokes the divine energy of Lord Krishna. “The first sound of the universe is ‘Om’, and both spirituality and science acknowledge this truth. The universe is governed by sound, and recognising this through musical disciplines is a form of deep spiritual practice,” he said.
CM Yogi further remarked that a nation’s soul lies in its culture, and if culture is separated from national life, the nation loses its identity. India’s unique notes and rhythms, he said, have preserved the country’s cultural identity through centuries.
On the occasion, a coffee table book showcasing the 100-year journey of Bhatkhande Culture University was released. An exhibition was inaugurated, and special postal covers and cancellations prepared by the Department of Posts were also unveiled. Alumni who made outstanding contributions in their respective fields were honoured during the ceremony.
The event was attended by Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLCs Mukesh Sharma and Lal Ji Prasad Nirmal, and Padma Vibhushan awardee Dr Sonal Mansingh, among other dignitaries.
