Lucknow: The second day of the four-day workshop on Thumri and Khayal singing, being organised under the chair established in the sacred memory of Begum Akhtar, concluded in a dignified and inspiring atmosphere at Bhatkhande Sanskriti University.
The workshop, scheduled from February 16 to 19, 2026, is being conducted by the Department of Vocal Music at the university’s Sujan Auditorium. Renowned Hindustani classical vocalist Shubha Guha is serving as the expert mentor, guiding students and research scholars through intensive training sessions.
At the commencement of the second day’s proceedings, Vidushi Shubha Guha was joined by Programme Convener and Head of the Vocal Department Prof. Srishti Mathur, along with faculty members, accompanists, research scholars, and students of the university.
During the interactive session, Vidushi Guha elaborated on the finer nuances of Thumri and Khayal gayaki, emphasizing voice culture (swar sadhana), emotive expression, the sensitivity required in rendering ragas, and the stylistic characteristics that distinguish these classical forms. She encouraged participants to deepen both their technical proficiency and research-oriented understanding of Hindustani classical music. Her dialogue-based teaching approach created an engaging and intellectually stimulating learning environment.
The practical training session was supported by Sabina on vocal accompaniment, Prashant Pandey on tanpura, and Saurabh Singh on tabla, whose contributions enhanced the immersive musical experience.
The primary objective of the workshop is to acquaint students and scholars with the richness of India’s classical vocal traditions, their technical intricacies, and the cultural contributions of legendary maestros. It also aims to disseminate this invaluable musical heritage to a broader section of society.
On this occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mandavi Singh stated that such programmes foster a deeper understanding of music among students, instill discipline, and nurture creative vision. She noted that these initiatives build a meaningful bridge between tradition and modern academic research.
Registrar Dr. Srishti Dhawan informed that under the Begum Akhtar Memorial Chair, the university plans to organise lectures, seminars, workshops, music and dance performances, and research-oriented programmes throughout the year. These initiatives are expected to provide fresh impetus to music education, research, and community engagement.
The workshop continues to serve as a vibrant platform for preserving and promoting the legacy of Hindustani classical music while inspiring the next generation of musicians and scholars.
