Urdu Academy and Shri Nand Kishore Khanna Foundation Organize ‘Nand Utsav’ in Lucknow

Discussion held on “A Rare Gem – The Artistic Journey of Nand Kishore Khanna”; Eminent personalities felicitated, art exhibition draws attention

Lucknow: In a heartfelt celebration of art, culture, and Urdu heritage, the Shri Nand Kishore Khanna Foundation, in collaboration with the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, organized ‘Nand Utsav’ at Sheroes Hangout, Gomti Nagar. The event featured a discussion on “A Rare Gem – The Artistic Journey of Nand Kishore Khanna”, an art exhibition, and a felicitation ceremony honoring distinguished individuals from various fields.

Curated by Nidhi Khanna, the event was graced by Yameen Khan, former Chairman of the State Lalit Kala Akademi, Uttar Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, and noted historian Ravi Bhatt as the Special Guest.

The thought-provoking discussion saw participation from eminent speakers Sushil Kanojia, Ravi Bhatt, and Shahanshah Hussain, who shared their insights into Nand Kishore Khanna’s artistic vision, life philosophy, and his deep-rooted connection with Urdu language and culture.
Sushil Kanojia highlighted the profound depth of Khanna’s creative personality, Ravi Bhatt spoke about his innovative approach to art management and his socio-cultural perspective, while Shahanshah Hussain reflected on the emotional and linguistic essence of Urdu embedded in Khanna’s works.

A special art exhibition showcasing Nand Kishore Khanna’s selected paintings added to the event’s charm. The exhibit included some of his masterpieces that are permanently displayed at Delhi Metro stations, offering the audience a rare glimpse into his vibrant artistic journey and color sensibility.

As part of the event, several outstanding talents were conferred with the Nand Kishore Khanna Foundation Awards for their remarkable contributions in diverse fields.
Awardees included:

• Ajaish Jaiswal – for excellence in Photography

• Dr. P.K. Goyal – for contributions to Medicine and Art

• Prem Shankar Prasad – for achievements in Sculpture

• Mainaz Bano – for excellence in Painting

• Ratna Asthana and Zubair Ahmed – for their selfless work in Social Service

Each of these honorees has contributed significantly to their respective domains, inspiring others through creativity and compassion.

Concluding the ceremony, Pushpa Khanna, Chairperson of the Shri Nand Kishore Khanna Foundation, extended her gratitude to all guests, speakers, awardees, and attendees. She remarked,

“Nand Utsav is a humble tribute to the artistic spirit, humanitarian values, and unwavering dedication of Nand Kishore Khanna towards Urdu language, art, and culture. Through such celebrations, we aim to keep his vision alive and inspire future generations.”

The evening celebrated not just the life and legacy of an extraordinary artist, but also the enduring bond between creativity and community.