Lucknow — A vibrant display of cultural talent unfolded at MLM Inter College today as the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow (under the Department of Culture, Government of Uttar Pradesh) concluded its Summer Folk Dance Workshop, held from May 21 to June 14, 2025.
The final day featured a grand presentation of folk dance performances prepared during the workshop. The program commenced with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Shri Neeraj Bora, followed by a ceremonial felicitation by students, who offered garlands and warm welcomes to all distinguished guests.
A Cultural Journey Through Dance
The event opened with an elegant Ganesh Vandana – Vakratunda Mahakaya Surya Koti Samaprabha – presented by Arnav and Pradeept, setting a spiritual tone for the evening.
Following this, students Chhavi, Janhvi, Arushi, Anukriti, Veer, Raja, and Anam captivated the audience with a well-coordinated dance dramatization of Lord Ram’s birth celebration (Ram Janmotsav). This was followed by a soulful prayer to River Ganga, performed by Anam, Chhavi, Janhvi, and Arushi.
One of the highlights was a Krishna Vandana, beautifully performed by Varnika, showcasing the divine aura and playful charm of Lord Krishna.
The program continued with a lively Kajri folk dance depicting the spirit of Hariyali Teej, followed by a graceful Pahari dance, celebrating the natural beauty and culture of India’s hill regions.
Students then turned the spotlight on Punjabi culture, performing the high-energy Bhangra, drawing applause from the entire gathering.
The event culminated in a mesmerizing performance of the Krishna Raas Leela, portraying Lord Krishna’s divine dance with Radha and the Gopis, which left the audience spellbound and earned high praise from all guests.
Recognition and Appreciation
In the concluding ceremony, Neeraj Bora distributed certificates of participation to all student performers and extended his heartfelt blessings. He applauded the joint efforts of the Uttar Pradesh Government and the school management in promoting cultural education through such meaningful initiatives.
The school Principal also addressed the gathering, offering blessings to the students and expressing deep gratitude to all esteemed guests, including Neeraj Bora, V.K. Gupta, S.P. Srivastava, and Shiv Charan Prasad. She also acknowledged the leadership of Prof. Jayant Khot (Chairman, UP Sangeet Natak Akademi), Vibha Singh (Vice-Chairperson), and Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar (Director) for their guidance and continued support.
The Principal concluded by requesting that such enriching cultural workshops be organized more frequently to nurture artistic talent among students.
