Enchanting Kathak Performance Marks 150 Years of “Vande Mataram” at Kathak Kendra

In a vibrant celebration of patriotism and culture, the Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi organised a captivating Kathak dance presentation  to mark 150 years of the national song “Vande Mataram”, composed in 1875 by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, the pioneer of Indian nationalism. The event took place at the Kathak Kendra, Lucknow, where art, rhythm, and devotion merged into a spellbinding tribute to the motherland.

The programme commenced with an introduction by Prof. Jayant Khot, Chairman of the Akademi, who spoke about the historical and cultural significance of “Vande Mataram”. Dr. Shobhit Kumar Nahar, Director of the Akademi, elaborated on how the song became an indomitable mantra during India’s freedom struggle, uniting millions in the spirit of national pride and resistance.

A soulful rendition of “Vande Mataram” by senior vocalist Kamalakant filled the auditorium with emotion, setting the stage for a graceful Kathak performance by the students of Kathak Kendra. Under the expert guidance of Neeta Joshi, Shruti Sharma, and Rajni Verma, the dancers expressed the essence of patriotism through rhythm, expression, and movement.

The dance ensemble, comprising Riya Singh, Anshika Kataria, Vidushi Shukla, Bhumi Chawla, Priyam Yadav, Shatakshi Yadav, Ekta Kashyap, Srishti Pandey, and Vaishnavi Agnihotri, captivated the audience with their well-coordinated performance that beautifully blended classical finesse with emotional depth. The presentation concluded with a collective singing of “Vande Mataram”, uniting all present in a moment of heartfelt reverence.

The event was attended by officials and staff members from the Akademi, Kathak Kendra, and Radio Jaighosh, alongside several cultural dignitaries. The evening concluded with a spirited chorus of “Vande Mataram” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai”, as attendees including Saurabh Saxena, Anil Yadav, Vikram Singh, Renu Srivastava, Archana Singh, Pawan Tiwari, Parth Pratim Mukherjee, Nasreen, Mahima Singh, Akhilesh Yadav, Prashant Yadav, Shahnawaz, Ankita Pandey, and Anand Asthana joined voices to salute the nation and celebrate the eternal spirit of unity through art.