Not a soul will bat an eye when conversations about Lucknow being a vibrant cultural cynosure are sparked. The fact that the city of Nawabs has been the heralder of diverse arts and crafts since ages immemorial is well established.

When Lakhnavi cultural symbols are counted — Chikankari, Kathak, Thumri, Khayal, Dadra, Ghazal, Qawaali, Sher-o-Shairi, Rangmanch, are amongst a few of the sublime emotions one connects with. The golden city of the east has been the focal point of the country's renaissance

And when it comes to producing exemplars in aspiring musicians, dancers, theatre enthusiasts, Lucknow's prestigious and age-old institutions still stand tall and give wings to artistes.

For instance, serenading citizens and inspiring countless young hearts, the Bhartendu Natya Academy has been polishing talent since 1975, by the efforts of theatre personality Raj Bisaria. The eminent theatre training institute has been, for 48 years, associated with Lucknow's thespian identity. Named after Bharatendu Harishchandra, the father of Hindi theatre, the splendid institute houses famous stages and auditoriums that have seen portrayal of significant Indian and English plays.

Besides the aforementioned, the Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya has been a token of pride and one of Lucknow's cultural identities for almost a century now. Set up in 1926 by Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande, being declared a deemed university by UGC in 2000, Bhatkhande was upgraded to a state university in 2022.

Similarly, the renowned Sangeet Natak Academi has not been far behind in the trajectory of Lucknow's thespian accolades. It is the apex body responsible for preserving performing arts in India. Established in 1953, SNA has been an ardent propagator of the city's diverse intangible heritage existing in the forms of music, dance and drama.

These institutions of Lucknow are worth mentioning for the evolution they have undergone and their efforts in imbibing social modifications.