Lucknow: With the objective of keeping India’s great musical traditions alive and carrying its priceless cultural heritage to future generations, Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow, has instituted special Chairs in memory of legendary figures of Indian music. In this series, the first programme under the Chair established in memory of Padma Bhushan awardee and legendary vocalist Begum Akhtar was organised with great grandeur at the university’s Kalamandapam Auditorium.
The programme formally began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh, along with Padma Shri awardee and Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota, Smt. Kumkum Dhar, senior guru Ram Mohan Maharaj, Head of the Vocal Music Department Prof. Srishti Mathur, Head of the Percussion Department Dr. Manoj Kumar Mishra, and Assistant Professor of Dance Dr. Ruchi Khare. The solemn ritual infused the auditorium with a sense of spiritual and cultural energy. Prof. Mandavi Singh felicitated Anup Jalota with a bouquet and angavastram, honouring his outstanding contribution to Indian music.
At the outset, a book titled “Acupressure and Kathak Dance,” authored by Dr. Ruchi Khare, Assistant Professor in the Kathak Dance Department, was formally released. Dr. Khare explained that the book is based on her PhD research and presents Kathak dance from a scientific perspective, linking it with acupressure and therapeutic practices. The book highlights the psychosomatic health benefits of Kathak, establishing dance not merely as a performing art but also as a powerful lifestyle and healing medium.
Inspired by Dr. Khare’s doctoral research and under the guidance and support of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh, the university’s Dance Department is set to launch a certificate course in Dance and Movement Therapy for fibromyalgia patients from the upcoming academic session.
The highlight of the evening was the soulful and spiritually uplifting performance by Padma Shri Anup Jalota, a distinguished alumnus of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya and a global icon of devotional music. Beginning with the bhajan “Aisi Laagi Lagan, Meera Ho Gayi Magan,” he went on to present a series of deeply moving compositions including “Achyutam Keshavam Ram Narayanam,” “Ram Aayenge,” “Kaun Kehta Hai Bhagwan Aate Nahin,” “Itni Shakti Humein Dena Data,” and “Bolo Ram Ram Ram.” He also engaged students in a collective musical interaction, creating an atmosphere of devotion, reverence, and musical excellence. His performance proved to be an unforgettable experience for music lovers and a rare, inspiring learning opportunity for students and research scholars to closely observe the nuances of expression, bhava, and stage presentation in Indian music.
The programme was gracefully compered by Dr. Seema Bhardwaj, an alumna and former faculty member of the university.
The primary aim of the event was to familiarise students and research scholars with the rich traditions and techniques of Indian classical, semi-classical, and light music, to provide deeper insight into the artistic discipline, life values, and cultural contributions of legendary musicians, and to extend this invaluable heritage to a wider section of society.
Under the Begum Akhtar Chair, the university plans to organise a series of lectures, seminars, workshops, musical performances, and research-oriented programmes in the future, fostering new possibilities in music education and research.
Addressing the gathering, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh stated that Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya will continue to organise such social, cultural, and academic programmes. She noted that Anup Jalota’s presence made the occasion historic and deeply inspiring, leaving a lasting impression on students and scholars. She further reaffirmed that the university remains firmly committed to social responsibility and community service, and such initiatives will further strengthen this commitment while contributing to the preservation and promotion of Indian culture.
