Katha Rang": Petronet LNG’s CSR Initiative to Bring Classical Music, Kathak and Art to Lucknow

LUCKNOW— Petronet LNG Limited, one of India’s leading energy companies, is bringing the arts to the heart of Lucknow through its CSR initiative. Under the banner _“Katha Rang”_, Sai Shinjini Academy of Fine Arts and Culture will host a free workshop on classical music, Kathak dance, and painting for underprivileged and budding artists in the city.

The announcement was made today at a press conference held at the Press Club, Lucknow, addressed by Academy President Anita Kulkarni.

Speaking at the event, Kulkarni said the aim of _Katha Rang_ is to connect disadvantaged and emerging talents with India’s rich heritage of art and culture. “Over the last nine years, the academy has trained more than 900 students across India and abroad. With the support of Petronet LNG Limited, it is a matter of great pride for us to bring this opportunity to the underprivileged youth of Lucknow,” she said.

Workshop Details
The workshop will run from August 1 to August 6, 2026, daily from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM at Government Jubilee Inter College, City Station, Subhash Marg, Lucknow. 

Participation is completely free for students aged 7 years and above 

The program will conclude with a grand finale on August 7, 2026, at the Kala Mandapam Auditorium, Bhatkhande University, Kaiserbagh, Lucknow.

Renowned Mentors to Train Students
Three nationally acclaimed artists will mentor participants:
Shinjini Kulkarni– Granddaughter and disciple of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj. She has trained over 900 students in Kathak and has choreographed Kathak sequences for films.
Sanjeeb Gogoi – Postgraduate in Fine Arts from a leading Indian art college with over 25 years of experience in teaching painting. His realistic paintings have been appreciated globally.
Iqbal Hussain – Internationally acclaimed classical musician with more than 15 years of experience, who has performed on stages across India and abroad.

What Participants Will Get
Students will have the opportunity to learn directly from top mentors, take part in the grand finale on day 6, and share the stage with international artists. Certificates will be distributed by eminent classical artists. Winners of the painting competition will receive attractive cash prizes.

The organizers aim to lay the foundation for 100 students each in both dance and painting through a trainer-participant model.

About Petronet LNG Limited
Petronet LNG Limited is a fast-growing public sector company in India’s energy sector. It set up the country’s first two LNG regasification terminals at Dahej in Gujarat and Kochi. The company handles nearly 75% of India’s LNG imports, which account for about 33% of the country’s total natural gas supply. As a responsible corporate citizen, Petronet undertakes CSR initiatives in healthcare, education, environment, art and culture preservation, women empowerment, and rural development.

About Sai Shinjini Academy
Founded in May 2013, Sai Shinjini Academy of Fine Arts and Culture promotes painting, sculpture, photography, music, dance, theatre, and yoga. In collaboration with NGO Sai Vidya Niketan, the academy also provides free training to over 100 underprivileged students. 

President Anita Kulkarni is the daughter of Padma Vibhushan Pandit Birju Maharaj and a renowned contemporary sculptor and painter in the Indian art world. She has been associated with education since 1988.