Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel launched the book Kumbh-Dhun: Tabla Ki Rachnayein by Dr. Kamlesh Kumar Dubey at Raj Bhavan. The Governor congratulated the author and discussed the book’s significance. Published by Shatrang Prakashan, Lucknow, the research-based work traces the tabla’s origins to its ancient form, Kumbh-Dhun, asserting its purely Indian roots in classical music tradition. Dr. Dubey highlighted that the instrument, renamed “tabla” during the Mughal era, has been integral to Indian music since antiquity. Present at the event were Surendra Agnihotri, editor of Nutan Kahaniyan, Dr. Madhu Tambe from the Information and Public Relations Department, and Poonam Dubey.
In a separate event on June 11, the International Buddhist Research Institute, Lucknow, in collaboration with the Culture Department of Uttar Pradesh and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University, Chitrakoot, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The occasion, held ahead of Yoga Day, featured a discussion on “Heritage to Development: Samatva Yoga” at the institute’s campus. The program began with lighting lamps, garlanding Lord Buddha’s statue, and offering flowers.
Key speakers included Prof. Shishir Kumar Pandey, Vice-Chancellor of Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Divyang State University, who emphasized academic and cultural collaboration to preserve heritage. Prof. Awadhesh Kumar Chaubey, Chairman of the Buddhist Philosophy Department at Central Sanskrit University, Tripura, noted that development divorced from cultural heritage breeds inequalities, advocating for “Samatva Yoga” to foster balanced progress. Dr. Ven. Julampitiye Punyasara Mahathero from Vidyaratna University, Sri Lanka, linked Buddhist teachings on skillful actions to yoga, while Arunesh Mishra highlighted Vipassana as a holistic yoga practice. Bhikshu Sheel Ratna and Mahant Santosh Das Khaki connected yoga to India’s spiritual legacy, and Sardar Manjeet Singh spoke on the Sikh Gurus’ contributions to love and spiritual yoga.
Institute Director Dr. Rakesh Singh outlined how the MoU would enhance Buddhist education and cultural exchange. The event saw participation from students, faculty, Buddhist scholars, monks, journalists, and dignitaries. Dr. Singh expressed gratitude to all attendees, marking the event as a step toward cultural and academic advancement.
