Lucknow: The ongoing Summer Music, Dance, and Arts Hobby Workshop at Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya, Lucknow, is witnessing an overwhelming response this year, particularly in the Kathak dance segment, which has emerged as the major highlight of the month-long program.
The workshop, running daily from 9 AM to 11 AM until June 26, 2025, has already recorded participation from 482 individuals across various disciplines—surpassing last year’s total of 414 participants. Of these, 108 participants have enrolled in Kathak alone, marking the highest number in the workshop’s history.
The Kathak Department of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya boasts a rich and illustrious legacy. Established in 1936 by Pt. Ram Lal Kothik, the department was significantly nurtured under the guidance of Prof. Mohanrao Kalyanpurkar from 1939 to 1971. Over the years, distinguished personalities like Padma Shri Dr. Puru Dadheech, Suniti Kaikini, Prof. Poornima Pandey, Prof. Kumkum Dhar, and Shri Subhash Dixit have contributed immensely to its growth and prestige.
Throughout the workshop, children and participants are being trained in various forms of vocal and instrumental music, under the supervision of skilled instructors. The university’s expert faculty members are offering personalized attention, helping participants hone their artistic talents.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh expressed her delight at the rising interest in Kathak, stating, “It is encouraging to see such an enthusiastic response, especially in classical dance. We have increased the number of Kathak instructors accordingly and are prepared to bring in more experts if needed.” Currently, four skilled Kathak trainers are conducting sessions.
University Registrar Dr. Srishti Dhawan noted that due to the strong interest and growing participation, the registration deadline for all disciplines of the workshop has been extended to May 31, 2025. Applications are being accepted both online and offline. The workshop is attracting a diverse group of participants, including children, women, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and university students—making it a commendable effort to engage people of all age groups in the performing arts.
This summer initiative by Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya is proving to be a vibrant cultural platform that nurtures creativity and strengthens community bonds through classical art.
