Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath declared culture to be the very soul of a nation, stating that a country loses its life, identity, and purpose without it. He made these powerful remarks while inaugurating the centenary celebrations of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya in Lucknow on Thursday.
Preserving India's Unbroken Cultural Continuity
The Chief Minister celebrated the university for its dual role in preserving Indian art and culture while also promoting it globally through modern education. He emphasized that India's distinct identity in art, music, and rhythm has survived through ages due to its unbroken cultural continuity. This continuity, he said, is what allowed India's Sanatan traditions to establish themselves and earn worldwide recognition.
He described artistic talent as a divine gift that must be respected and stated that artists in all disciplines should receive encouragement to pursue their crafts. Yogi Adityanath paid rich tribute to the university's founder, Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, and congratulated everyone associated with the institution.
From College to University: Fulfilling a Historic Demand
The CM highlighted his government's decision to grant Bhatkhande full university status. He recalled that the great poet Rabindranath Tagore had first referred to it as a university back in 1940. However, the formal demand for university status remained unfulfilled for decades. He credited the persistent push from former Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, combined with the government's intent, for finally getting the proposal approved in 2022.
Yogi Adityanath commended the university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mandavi Singh, and praised its anthem and logo. The logo is based on the profound theme of ‘Nadadheenam Jagat’, meaning the world is governed by sound. He elaborated that the primordial sound ‘Omkar’ is acknowledged by science, spirituality, and culture through Nada Yoga, and experiencing this through music is a spiritual practice.
Bhatkhande's Foundational Role in Indian Classical Music
The Chief Minister detailed the historic contribution of Pandit Bhatkhande, who laid a scientific foundation for Indian classical music in 1926, a time when artistic expression was restricted under British rule. His systematic work included establishing classical discipline, creating a structured curriculum, classifying raags and taals, introducing a graded learning system, and harmonizing the traditional guru-shishya parampara with modern education.
Yogi stated this was not merely an academic exercise but a powerful movement to instil self-respect, self-confidence, and stability in Indian culture itself.
Government's Commitment and Future Vision
To counter doubts about the youth's connection with tradition, the CM cited the examples of the 2019 and upcoming 2025 Maha Kumbh Melas, where the majority of visitors were young. This, he asserted, proves a strong cultural bond exists when the right platform is provided.
The Uttar Pradesh government is committed to creating a safe, dignified, and empowering environment for artists through a clear policy framework, he assured the gathering. He announced that, in addition to Bhatkhande, a new music college in Hariharpur, Azamgarh, will provide platforms for students and strengthen cultural awareness.
For Bhatkhande's expansion, the CM revealed that six acres of land have been allotted in Lucknow for a new world-class campus. This campus will feature a modern auditorium, open-air theatre, library, and other advanced facilities. The existing campus will be transformed into a museum dedicated to music and art, preserving its rich legacy for future generations.
