Lucknow: The Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya is up for a ‘bold reinvention’ with UP govt out to transform it into a world-class institution.A high-level committee of musicians, dancers, theatre practitioners and academicians sat together with additional chief secretary, culture, Amrit Abhijat, and Bhatkhande VC Prof Mandavi Singh, to chart a roadmap to drive the vision likely to take shape at the university’s new campus proposed to come up in Kakrabad area of Kakori.Experts including Padma awardees emphasised the need to broaden the university’s academic outlook and strengthen its global engagement.Former director, National School of Drama, Vaman Kendre called for integrating emerging disciplines like digital arts, animation, documentary filmmaking and virtual production with traditional arts.He also advocated collaborative spaces where artists and researchers could innovate and document India’s evolving cultural traditions. “Bhatkhande should become India’s benchmark for cultural excellence by bringing tradition and innovation together,” he said.VC of Nava Nalanda Mahavihara (Deemed) University, Prof Siddharth Singh said the institution’s transition from a Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya to a Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya should be reflected in its curriculum and global outlook.He also proposed programmes in Buddhist cultural philosophy and Indian knowledge systems to attract international students. “Its academic vision must evolve with its identity,” he said.Kathak danseuse Shobhana Narayan said the university should remain a living centre of artistic practice, with students regularly engaging with performances, rehearsals and practising artistes. “Learning should continue well beyond the classroom,” she said.Principal, Sangeet Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Prof Sruti Bandopadhyay stressed the need to document the evolution of India’s artistic traditions, instruments and performance practices. “Young people should experience the journey of our artistic traditions,” she said.Recalling her student days at Bhatkhande, Malini Awasthi said the campus should draw inspiration from the guru-shishya parampara, with nature becoming an integral part of artistic learning. “Music flourishes in harmony with nature,” she said.Principal, College of Architecture and Planning, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Vandana Sahgal proposed an immersive campus with interactive public spaces and performance courtyards. “The campus itself should become an extension of artistic education,” she said.
