Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in the centenary celebration of Bhatkhande Culture University that culture is the soul of the nation. He underlined the contribution of the artists, the tradition of Indian music and the cultural commitment of the government.
Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that any nation is identified by its culture. Just as the body becomes inactive without the soul, similarly a nation loses its consciousness and identity when cut off from culture. He said that a nation without culture gradually turns into ruins.
Centenary year of Bhatkhande Sanskriti University: Historic occasion
On Thursday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the centenary year celebrations of Bhatkhande Sanskriti University. He said that this occasion is not just a celebration of an institution but of the continuity of India’s cultural tradition. Even in adverse circumstances, Indian art, voice and rhythm maintained its identity and this is the strength of Sanatan culture.
The artist’s art requires divine qualities, respect and encouragement.
The Chief Minister said that the art of an artist is a gift from God, which should never be disrespected. No matter which genre an artist is associated with, he should be respected and encouraged. Art works to give direction to the society and nation.
Cultural workers are also participants in nation building
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that Bhatkhande Sanskriti University has preserved Indian music, dance, theater and fine arts in the last 100 years as well as linked them with the modern education system. He clarified that a cultural worker also contributes as much to nation building as people from other fields.
Tribute to Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande
Paying tribute to Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, the Chief Minister said that he gave a scientific basis to Indian music during the colonial period. Classification of Raga-Taal, sequential method and connecting the Guru-disciple tradition with modern education were his historical contributions.
Mention of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore’s letter
The Chief Minister said that in the year 1940, Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore had addressed this institute as a university. After long efforts, it got the status of university in the year 2022, making it the first cultural university of Uttar Pradesh.
‘Naadhinam Jagat’: Eternal Truth of Life
Chief Minister Yogi while appreciating the university’s anthem and logo ‘Nadadhinam Jagat’ said that it means the entire world is under the influence of sound. He said that Omkar is the first sound of creation and Naad Yoga is accepted by all three, science, spirituality and culture.
Government committed to giving respect and safe platform to artists
The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to providing a safe, respectful and empowering environment to the artists. Art and culture are being promoted through a systematic policy, in which Bhatkhande Sanskriti University is an important partner of the government.
Myth broken by Kumbh 2019 and Maha Kumbh 2025
The Chief Minister said that the perception that the youth was moving away from their culture was proved wrong. The participation of more than 66.30 crore devotees in Mahakumbh 2025, a large number of whom were youth, broke this myth. When given the right platform, culture automatically progresses.
Planning of new premises and modern facilities
The Chief Minister said that the university has been given about six acres of land in Lucknow, where the new campus will be developed as per global standards. It will have a modern auditorium, open theatre, library and other facilities. The old premises will be developed as a music and art museum.
Coffee table book and exhibition launched in centenary celebrations
The function started with lighting of the lamp and offering flowers to the statue of Pandit Bhatkhande. On this occasion, ‘A Legacy of Excellence’ coffee table book, special postal cover, international conference and exhibition based on the Shatabdi Yatra were inaugurated.
Distinguished guests were present in the program
In the program, Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLA Neeraj Bora, Padma Vibhushan Dr. Sonal Mansingh, Vice Chancellor Prof. Many dignitaries including Mandvi Singh were present. The cultural presentations of the students mesmerized everyone.
These former students were honored
- Dr. Purnima Pandey (Kathak)
- Padmashree Malini Awasthi (folk singer)
- Vidushi Dilraj Kaur (singer)
- Kewal Kumar (Music arranger)