A Cultural Milestone: Centenary Celebrations of Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya

CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurating the event | PC: www.information.up.gov.in

Lucknow, 18–19 Dec 2025: Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (BSV), one of India’s premier institutions for music and performing arts education, commemorated its 100th anniversary with a grand celebration on Thursday in Lucknow. Established in 1926 as Marris College of Music, the university has played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting Hindustani classical music and other artistic traditions over the past century.

Inaugural Ceremony and Key Address

The centenary festivities were inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who highlighted the celebration as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and unity. He underscored the vital role of culture in shaping national identity, stating that a nation loses its soul when disconnected from its artistic roots. The CM also announced that the state government has allotted around six acres of land in Kakrabad, Lucknow, for the development of a modern, world-class campus for the university — aimed at strengthening its infrastructure and expanding its educational reach.

Cultural Events and Recognitions

The centenary event featured a three-day global cultural summit, showcasing performances by legendary artists and vibrant student presentations that set a celebratory tone for the festivities. Distinguished alumni were honoured during the ceremony, including eminent figures such as Padma Shri-awardee folk singer Malini Awasthi, among others who have significantly contributed to Indian music and arts.

Publications and Exhibitions

A specially curated coffee-table book, “A Legacy of Excellence,” documenting the university’s 100-year journey in preserving and evolving cultural education, was released at the event. Additionally, a special postal cover stampcommemorating the centenary was unveiled, marking the historical milestone.

Institutional Impact

Founded by the visionary musicologist Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, the institution pioneered systematic music education in India and influenced generations of musicians, dancers, and scholars. Its evolution from a small college into a full-fledged state university reflects over a century of dedication to India’s classical arts and culture.

As the centenary celebrations continue, the event underscores BSV’s enduring legacy and its role as a custodian of India’s artistic heritage — inspiring new generations to engage with and preserve the nation’s cultural wealth.