Lucknow: A grand cultural programme was organised today at the Sant Gadge Auditorium in Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, to commemorate the tercentenary year of the revered ‘Lokmata’ Devi Ahilyabai Holkar. The event was jointly hosted by Sanskar Bharati, Awadh Prant, and the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi.
The ceremony began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by distinguished guests including Padma Shri Hriday Narayan Dixit (Chief Guest), Prof. Mandavi Singh (Vice Chancellor, Bhatkhande Sanskriti University), Dr. Devendra Tripathi (Secretary, Regional Lalit Kala Akademi, Government of India), Dr. Purnima Pandey, Shri Girish Chandra Mishra, and Smt. Anuradha Goyal.
The cultural programme featured a vibrant array of performances. Students of Saraswati Vidya Mandir opened the event with the recitation of the Dhyeya Geet. This was followed by spirited renditions of Sangh Geet under the direction of Narendra Mridul and Vibha Singh.
Artists from the U.P. Sangeet Natak Akademi presented a captivating Kathak dance performance choreographed by Shruti Sharma. Additionally, a dance drama titled “Samrasata ke Shri Ram”, directed by Pandit Anuj Mishra, enthralled the audience and conveyed powerful messages of unity and harmony.
Key speakers shed light on the extraordinary life of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, highlighting her administrative acumen, social reforms, and immense contributions to Indian culture. They spoke of her legacy as a just ruler, a devout patron of art and spirituality, and a powerful symbol of woman leadership in Indian history.
The event concluded with a soulful collective rendition of “Vande Mataram” followed by refreshments. The successful coordination of the programme was credited to the guidance of Prof. Jayant Khot, President of the U.P. Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the active support of Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, Director of the Akademi. The event was convened by Smt. Vibha Singh, Vice President of the Akademi.
The evening saw the presence of several dignitaries from Sanskar Bharati Awadh Prant, artists, social workers, and a large gathering of enthusiastic spectators — all joining together to celebrate the spirit and legacy of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar.
