Lucknow: On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Day, a grand Alankaran Samaroh (felicitation ceremony) was organized by the Department of Culture at Jan Bhawan, where Governor Anandiben Patel honoured distinguished personalities for their outstanding contributions in the fields of art, culture, literature, theatre, sports, and Buddhist and Jain philosophy. The ceremony offered an impressive showcase of the state’s rich cultural heritage, intellectual traditions, and creative consciousness.
Congratulating the awardees, the Governor said that such honours represent public recognition of years of dedication, discipline, and creative pursuit, and serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. Extending her greetings on the occasion of Republic Day, she described it as a celebration of India’s democratic spirit, constitutional values, and national pride.
Democracy Rooted in Ancient Values
Governor Patel stated that India’s democratic journey has always been guided by constitutional ideals. While the modern Republic is relatively young, she noted, its roots lie deep within India’s ancient civilization, human values, ethical ideals, and cultural awareness. Calling India one of the world’s oldest living civilizations, she described the nation as the cradle of democracy.
Message of Courage and Innovation for Youth
Addressing the youth, the Governor urged them to move forward fearlessly and not shy away from taking risks, emphasizing that courage is the first step toward innovation. “When talent expands, it becomes tradition. When youth are determined, a developed India becomes a certain future,” she said.
Bridging Tradition and Modernity
The Governor highlighted that prestigious awards such as the Baba Yogendra Kala Samman, Bharatendu Harishchandra Samman, Acharya Bharat Muni Samman, and Birsa Munda Samman are strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s cultural heritage while acting as a bridge between tradition and modernity.
Uttar Pradesh at the Forefront of ‘New India’
Governor Patel said Uttar Pradesh is playing a leading role in building “New India.” Over the past few years, the state has set new benchmarks in development, improving ease of life while creating new opportunities in employment, investment, and innovation. She emphasized that Uttar Pradesh has emerged not just as the largest state, but as a frontrunner in development.
She further noted the state’s rapid progress in areas such as artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Through the Defence Industrial Corridor, Uttar Pradesh is becoming a major hub for defence production, strengthening national security and the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Rural Strength and Collective Effort
The Governor remarked that the soul of Uttar Pradesh still resides in its villages. As a leading producer of fruits and vegetables, the state forms the backbone of India’s food security. She praised initiatives like One District One Product (ODOP) for giving global recognition to local crafts and products. Referring to efforts such as the revival of the Tamsa river, community kitchens, and cleanliness campaigns, she said collective action can turn even the impossible into reality.
Startups and India’s Soft Power
Governor Patel highlighted India’s position as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, with limitless opportunities for youth. Referring to the success of the Startup India initiative, she said India is emerging as a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Describing Gen Z as India’s creative force, she added that Indian cultural narratives, myths, and legends—through digital platforms and gaming—can elevate India’s soft power globally.
Excellence Across Diverse Fields Recognized
During the ceremony, artists and scholars were honoured by the Department of Culture and its associated academies for exemplary contributions in fine arts, literature, theatre, music, folk, and tribal culture.
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Baba Yogendra Kala Samman (National) was awarded to Nalini Kumar Mishra for contributions to painting, while Dr. Sadhana Singh and Satendra Singh received the state-level honour.
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The International Buddhist Research Institute, Lucknow honoured Prof. (Dr.) Pradyumna Dubey with the Pali Literature Promotion Award, and Dr. Ven. Bhaddanta Rahul Bodhi and Prof. Siddharth Singh with the Buddhist Culture Promotion Award.
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The U.P. Jain Vidya Research Institute conferred the Jain Culture Promotion Award on Dr. Sunil Kumar Jain ‘Sanchay’.
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The Bharatendu Natya Academy honoured Muskan Goswami (direction), Devashish Mishra (concept), Prof. (Dr.) Anand Vardhan Sharma (acting), and Rakesh Srivastava (acting) with the Bharatendu Harishchandra Samman.
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The U.P. Sangeet Natak Academy awarded the Acharya Bharat Muni Samman to Ramchandra Bhagwat (violin) and Anoop Kumar Arora (theatre acting).
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The U.P. Folk and Tribal Culture Institute honoured Vijay Bahadur Srivastava with the Baba Pagal Das Samman for Nautanki folk theatre, and Vinod Kumar Gond with the Birsa Munda Samman for tribal dance preservation.
Deputy Chief Minister’s Address
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every art form in the country has received renewed respect and encouragement. He reaffirmed the Uttar Pradesh government’s full commitment to the protection, promotion, and upliftment of art and artists.
The ceremony also featured a captivating traditional folk dance performance by artists from Gujarat. Senior officials, including Special Officer to the Governor Dr. Sudhir Mahadev Bobde, Additional Chief Secretary (Tourism and Culture) Amit Abhijat, and several dignitaries from the fields of art, culture, and administration, were present at the event.
