Lucknow, Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, said on Friday that art is not just a medium of entertainment, but a powerful tool for the moral, cultural, and spiritual upliftment of society. At the Gandhi Auditorium in Jan Bhavan, Lucknow, during the Academy Award Ceremony-2026 organized by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow, the Governor delivered her message. Deputy Chief Minister of the state, Brajesh Pathak, read out the Governor’s message to the audience.
In her message, the Governor said, “Today’s occasion inspires us to understand the importance of art, preserve it, and maintain its dignity intact for future generations.” She added, “To understand the soul of a civilization, it is essential to understand its folk songs and folk dramas, because folk culture is that vibrant stream of our traditions that has flowed our identity from generation to generation.”
According to an official statement issued from Jan Bhavan, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak presented awards at the Academy Award Ceremony-2026 organized by the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, Lucknow at Gandhi Auditorium. As per the release, a total of 51 distinguished artists selected for the years 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 were honored with the Academy Award for their notable contributions, outstanding creations, dedication, and significant role in preserving and promoting cultural heritage in the fields of music, dance, drama, and folk arts. The ceremony specially highlighted the invaluable contributions of artists in preserving and promoting the state’s rich cultural traditions, folk arts, and Indian artistic values.
Guided the world for centuries
In her message, the Governor praised the work of the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi, stating that the Akademi has been carrying out important work of surveying and documenting folk music and folk theatre traditions for years. She said, “Under this, more than about 5500 hours of rare audio-video recordings have been secured so far. To advance the tradition of the Lucknow gharana of Kathak, a Kathak center was established under the guidance of the late Guru Lachhu Maharaj, and the Akademi continues to organize theatre festivals.”
Deputy Chief Minister Pathak congratulated and wished all the honored artists, saying that India is not just a piece of land, but a center of eternal culture, knowledge, spirituality, and human values that has guided the world for centuries.
Gandhi Auditorium
The Gandhi Auditorium, located in New Delhi, India, is a prominent cultural venue named after Mahatma Gandhi. Built in the mid-20th century, it serves as a hub for performances, lectures, and public events, reflecting Gandhi’s legacy of non-violence and cultural unity. The auditorium continues to host diverse programs that promote dialogue and artistic expression.
Jan Bhavan
Jan Bhavan is a historic palace located in Bikaner, Rajasthan, built by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 20th century. It served as the royal residence and is renowned for its exquisite Rajput architecture, blending traditional and European styles. Today, it operates as a luxury heritage hotel, preserving the cultural legacy of the Bikaner royal family.
Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi
The Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi is a state-level cultural institution in Lucknow, India, dedicated to the promotion and preservation of performing arts, including music, dance, and drama. Established by the Uttar Pradesh government, it has played a key role in fostering local traditions and supporting artists since its founding in the mid-20th century. The Akademi organizes festivals, workshops, and awards to recognize excellence in the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Lucknow
Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its Nawabi-era architecture, refined etiquette, and delectable cuisine, such as kebabs and biryani. Historically, it flourished as the seat of the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th and 19th centuries, who patronized arts and built iconic landmarks like the Bara Imambara and Rumi Darwaza. The city also played a significant role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, with its famous Siege of Lucknow becoming a pivotal event in British colonial history.
Lucknow gharana of Kathak
The Lucknow gharana of Kathak is a prominent school of this classical Indian dance form, known for its graceful, expressive, and intricate footwork. It developed in the 19th century under the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh, particularly Wajid Ali Shah, who emphasized sensuality, storytelling, and subtle facial expressions (abhinaya). The gharana is characterized by its elegant, lyrical movements and a strong focus on the “nazakat” (delicacy) and “adaa” (style) of the dance.
Kathak center
The Kathak Center, often referring to institutions dedicated to the classical dance form of Kathak from northern India, serves as a hub for preserving and teaching this intricate art. Historically, Kathak evolved from the storytelling traditions of ancient temple dancers and later flourished in Mughal courts, blending Hindu and Persian influences. These centers offer rigorous training in footwork, spins, and expressive gestures, ensuring the dance’s rich legacy continues for new generations.
